North High jazz band member Scotty Russell has been named to the 2026 Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra (NYO) Jazz ensemble. Often described as the musical equivalent of being named an All-American athlete, this selection places Scotty among the most elite young jazz musicians in the United States.
The selection process is notoriously rigorous, requiring high-level video auditions from students across the country. The competition is particularly steep for woodwinds; out of hundreds of applicants, Scotty was one of only two tenor saxophonists chosen for the entire ensemble.
A Summer of Global Performance
The NYO Jazz program offers a comprehensive four-week professional experience starting in mid-June. Scotty’s journey will include:
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- A Two-Week Residency: Located at Purchase College, where he will study with an all-star faculty of legendary professional jazz musicians.
- Carnegie Hall Debut: A headlining performance at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.
- International Tour: Following the residency, the ensemble will embark on a two-week tour across Asia, with a featured kickoff in Japan.
The NYO Jazz program is a flagship initiative of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, designed to showcase the brightest young jazz talents in the U.S. while providing them with unparalleled mentorship and performance opportunities.