Education
We are thrilled to announce our inaugural PJO Summer Jazz Intensive in partnership with Heart of Los Angeles!
Overview:
For 2026, we’ve made the decision to offer this program as an exclusive opportunity for HOLA, YOLA, and alumni students.
Taking place June 24–26 on the Heart of Los Angeles campus, this three-day intensive will immerse students in the art of jazz through hands-on ensemble work and dynamic instruction from leading industry professionals. Participants will have the chance to refine their skills, deepen their musical understanding, and experience the excitement of creating music together at a high level.
Morning sessions include section rehearsals and individual instrumental instruction by members of Pacific Jazz Orchestra, fostering skill and improvisation development through personalized guidance. Afternoon sessions focus on full ensemble (tutti) rehearsals led by Chris Walden, providing students the opportunity to refine their ensemble playing under an experienced conductor.
Guest lectures and panel discussions from leading professionals on topics such as orchestration, career advice, and the music business will provide students with a well-rounded foundation for their growth.
The brand new PJO Summer Jazz Intensive
Camp Dates:
Classes: June 24-June 26, 2026
Final performance: June 26, 2026
All camp activities will take place on Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) campus: 615 South La Fayette Park Place, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Tuition & Tuition Assistance:
Please note: The PJO Summer Jazz Intensive will not be providing housing and transportation for the duration of the program.
This is a tuition-free opportunity for selected students thanks to the Hal Gaba Scholarship Fund. Please note that full participation is required—you must be available for all three days of the program, including the evening performance on June 26.
The Hal Gaba Scholarship Fund was made possible via a gift from The Gaba Family Foundation. Hal Gaba, a lifelong jazz enthusiast, was chairman of Concord Records. Major education funding for Pacific Jazz Orchestra generously provided by Jason Subotky and Anne Akiko Meyers and Fox Family Foundation. Other PJO education donors include the Jonathan and Karen Fryd Family Foundation.
If you are interested in participating in our summer program, please fill out the form using the link below by April 20, 2026.
Heart of Los Angeles
Pacific Jazz Orchestra is proud to partner with Heart of Los Angeles to present this transformational jazz program. Heart of Los Angeles is a dream partner in this educational endeavor with its deep commitment to serving students who represent richly diverse racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds, including underserved youth in Central and South Central Los Angeles. The PJO collaboration exemplifies Heart of Los Angeles’ approach to program development, which is firmly rooted in an ethic of partnership.
Heart of Los Angeles CEO Tony Brown states, “Heart of Los Angeles is delighted to collaborate with Pacific Jazz Orchestra on the Summer Jazz Intensive, which is open to students from across the Southland as well as members of the Heart of Los Angeles community. The musical artists providing instruction for this significant jazz education program are leaders in their field with decades of unparalleled professional experience.”
The Team
Chris Walden
Leading the daily ensemble sessions of the program is Chris Walden. A seven-time GRAMMY-nominated composer/arranger/conductor, he founded Pacific Jazz Orchestra in 2022.
“The Summer Jazz Intensive provides an incredible opportunity for young people to enhance their jazz skills in an ensemble or orchestral setting under the tutelage of some of the best jazz artists in the business. The program helps bridge the gap in instrumental jazz education by providing invaluable mentorship and instruction. We are proud to nurture young talent and help shape the future of jazz by ensuring its continued evolution.”
Courtney Fortune
Our Director of Education is Courtney Fortune, an award-winning vocalist, educator, and the author of The Songwriter’s Notebook (Ten Speed Press, Penguin Random House)
She is the founder of Songmaker Sessions: a songwriting and mentorship program for teens and adults, and co-founder/co-director of the High School Songwriters Summit and Showcase at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.
Courtney has a Bachelors Degree in Music Industry and a Masters Degree in Arts Leadership from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.
*Still to be announced are our daily sectional instructors and guest lecturers. Stay tuned!