Here’s what CNY Jazz friends and patrons are saying about our public and scholastic programs:

Mission: Teach

“Thanks for such a great experience at this year’s Vocal Jazz Jam. I had a blast. I love seeing and working with all the young people, and it’s still a great way to gain perspective and hone one’s chops. We’re never too old to learn something. I know I’m not alone when I say how much I appreciate Jazz Central’s sponsorship and hosting of this event, not to mention your personal involvement and commitment. It means a lot to a lot of people, and you guys should really bt commended.”

Scott Dennis, emerging jazz professional


“We want to thank CNY Jazz for all it has done to spread the love of jazz to CNY Students. Our son will pursue performance as a career. It’s no accident that three fifths of the Brubeck fellowship quintet–for which he is a finalist–are from Upsate New York!”

—Kristen Mulcahy, CNY Jazz Parent


“I am glad to serve on the board of CNY Jazz, to help ensure that the musical arts, specifically the uniquely American art form of jazz, are available to all in the community, regardless of ability to pay. Our free Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival and Jazz in the City programs are examples of how CNY Jazz contributes to all that is great about Central New York.”
—Howie Hollander, President, Technology Alliance of CNY


“This organization creates positive community impact like no other of its kind, especially for disadvantaged youth.”
—Lisa Cornish, Tax Manager, Dermody, Burke, & Brown

Mission: Perform

“Dear CNY Jazz Orchestra: I just got back from your concert, and I still feel great! What a treat!”
—Chuck Rush


The Cen­tral New York Jazz Orchestra is an orga­ni­za­tion I am very grateful for. I had the plea­sure of per­forming a Rob McConnell tribute con­cert with them on Nov. 18 in Syra­cuse, NY. The band is made up of some of the finest musi­cians in Upstate New York, an area with a won­derful tra­di­tion of extra­or­di­nary musi­cian­ship. It was a ter­rific con­cert, with excep­tional playing from all the band mem­bers, won­derful arrange­ments written by the great Rob McConnell, and a large, enthu­si­astic audi­ence to sup­port the pro­ceed­ings. Lead by the esteemed Larry Lut­tinger and Bret Zvacek, the Cen­tral NY Jazz Orchestra is a beacon of what an arts orga­ni­za­tion should be.
—Michael Davis, Professional Trombonist & President, Hip-Bone Music

Mission: Present

“Thank you for the gift of Music in Syracuse, NY. You offer more than the average, the expected, the norm. Thank you for widening my education and value of Music. I truly believe it’s the true language of life, love, and acceptance of others.”
—Janet Walters, SHRM-CP, PHR,  Director of Human Resources, Babbitt Bearings, Inc., Syracuse, NY  


“I cannot tell you what a good time we had at January JAZZfest 2013. The location at Mohegan Manor was perfect, and the bands were great! Please pass along to Mohegan Manor that all our families, friends, and co-workers had a really wonderful time.”
—Katrina Russo, President & CEO, Seneca Federal Savings & Loan, Baldwinsville, NY


“Thank you for sharing your “welcome video,” a very impressive history for your organization in a short period of time.”
—Julie M. Hessinger, Administration Manager, SRCTec


“Dear Larry (Luttinger): Thank you for your help brigning your arts education program ‘Music & Musket’ to the Aurora Free Library. We gathered a very knowledeable audience, and Jeff Stockham and Victoria King were superb! It was well worth the effort, and you were right about Jeff’s vast knowledge of the Civil War!”
—Ellen Baker Wikstrom


“The CNY Jazz Quartet and Ronnie Leigh gave us a wonderful evening of worship through music and song. The feedback from everyone was nothing less than glowing. I want to look at our calendar and figure out when we can have you return. You offer a real ‘jazz ministry.'”
—Pastor Stan Bennett, First Congregational, United Church of Christ, Phoenix, NY