This article originally appeared in PMAC’s FY24 Annual Report, published December 2024.
In April 2024, PMAC partnered with members of the Grammy-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), led by drummer Adonis Rose, to bring authentic jazz education to the Seacoast. During an inspirational week, students from PMAC, Portsmouth High School (PHS), and the University of New Hampshire had the unique opportunity to learn directly from some of jazz’s finest musicians during a series of hands-on clinics.
Students received feedback and coaching on essential jazz music elements, including improvisation, song forms, groove, and group dynamics. PMAC trombone student and Teen Jazz participant Valère Logan-Barré shared, “I enjoyed asking members of NOJO questions and seeing how they explained and taught. They were very open. Despite the fact that they were professional musicians, it still felt like you could talk to them.”
NOJO’s jazz residency also served as a powerful history lesson, immersing Seacoast students in the cultural roots and social context of jazz. PHS Principal Stephen Chinosi noted, “NOJO engaged our students in all the technical aspects of a jazz workshop, as well as shared the rich traditions of New Orleans. In just a few days, NOJO was able to bring the diverse history and dynamic cultures of New Orleans together for our students.”
The week culminated in a classic New Orleans-style second line parade through the high school hallways, led by Principal Chinosi waving a custom-made New Orleans umbrella. “The parade was amazing,” said Adonis Rose. “I almost felt like I was back in New Orleans. Watching the students perform with us, playing the music the way we do it at home, was incredibly rewarding.”
On Friday April 12, NOJO headlined PMAC’s annual Spring Fever for the Arts event at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club. A special highlight came when PMAC’s Teen Jazz Ensemble played alongside NOJO, marking the first time that youth students joined world-renowned touring artists on stage at Jimmy’s!
Following such a successful jazz residency, PMAC is delighted to welcome NOJO back to Portsmouth next April to deepen this enriching partnership. PMAC CEO Russ Grazier shared, “When a young student makes a connection with a world-class visiting artist, the memory of the interaction and the lessons learned will stay with them for a lifetime. We can’t wait to welcome NOJO back in 2025.”







