TNT

The New Traditionalists (TNT), established in 1989, is a youth group sponsored by the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation (SacJEF), and which focuses on the performance of New Orleans-inspired early jazz.

SacJEF’s mission: to preserve and promote early jazz music, by supporting the education of current and future generations in the performance of early jazz, and in the history and appreciation of America’s true original art form, and to work collaboratively with other local, regional, and national jazz educational organizations to accomplish this mission.

TNT comprises high-school-aged musicians selected each year by audition. Over the years, TNT has produced alumni who have since become outstanding professional musicians and educators. It, along with such programs as the Teagarden Jazz Camp and Teagarden Youth Festival, is an important part of the education goals of the foundation.

The band rehearses weekly, and performs at local venues and jazz festivals, including the Hot Jazz Jubilee (https://hotjazzjubilee.com/), and this year, at Jazz Bash by the Bay in Monterey, CA.

Members of the band learn improvisation, leadership, cooperation, performance etiquette, and a love for classic jazz.

The band has been coached since 2011 by local trombonist Bob Williams.

TNT band photo

The 2024-2025 iteration of the band comprises:

Aaron Holst – Trombone, Cornet
Lachlan Keightley – Trombone, Banjo
Yash Saini – Clarinet, Saxophone
Aiden Chen – Piano
Claire Seymour – String Bass
Heny Dall-Parker – Drums
Madison Lazark – Vocals, Washboard