Pacific Jazz Ambassadors

Pacific Jazz Ambassadors are a jazz combo comprised of students pursuing a three-year Accelerated Bachelor of Music Honors Degree in Jazz Studies at the Conservatory of Music. This opportunity is open to five high school graduates who are exceptionally talented and motivated jazz musicians.

The Ambassadors study with Pacific's Jazz Studies' faculty, visiting jazz educators, artists, clinicians and other music professionals while working towards obtaining their undergraduate degree at University of the Pacific. They perform extensively locally, throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Performances

The jazz ambassadors represent Pacific’s profound commitment to jazz and its rich ability to bring cultures together. In recent years they have performed throughout the United States and internationally, including performances in France and Spain, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Seattle Jazz Experience and at key jazz education events such as the Jazz Educators Network and California All-State Music Education Conference.

Educational Opportunities

The Ambassadors take group classes and have individual lessons, participate in group rehearsals and coaching, as well as in discussions with visiting artists and clinicians. They work in the on-campus recording studio producing at least one recording project each year.

Visiting Artists & Clinicians

Collaboration with the visiting professional artists and clinicians is a high priority. This engagement may include private lessons, rehearsal and coaching, special topic discussions, and sessions on professional career development. Frequently, the visiting artists share the stage performing with the Ambassadors.

Dave Brubeck
Carl Allen
Donald Brown
Dee Daniels
Taylor Eigsti
Eric Harland
Jimmy Heath
Vincent Herring
Fred Hersch
Conrad Herwig
Freddie Hubbard
Gregory Hutchinson
Ingrid Jensen
Geoffrey Keezer
Wynton Marsalis
Bennie Maupin
Christian McBride
Bobby Militello
Mulgrew Miller
Lewi Nash
Nicolas Payton
Chris Potter
Joshua Redman
Rufus Reid
Reuben Rogers
Edward Simon
Mary Stallings
Helen Sung
Greg Tardy
Bobby Watson
Jeff "Tain" Watts
Steve Wilson
Miguel Zenon

How to apply and audition

Conservatory Admission Requirements

Apply Now

PACIFIC JAZZ AMBASSADOR 2026-27

Renzo Barajas Moreno

Renzo Barajas Moreno is a self-taught pianist, composer and arranger, who grew up in Stockton. He began playing piano at the age of four and took to jazz in high school while playing worship and gospel piano for church. Before Pacific, he was fortunate to learn from and play with such distinguished artists as Etienne Charles, Gary Motley, Warren Wolf and Ben Flocks. He was selected twice for the top big band at Hayward La Honda Music Camp under the direction of trombonist Dave Eshelman. His musical inspirations are McCoy Tyner, Eric Dolphy, Betty Carter, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Robert Glasper and Herbie Hancock.

Pacific Jazz Ambassador 2024-27

Joseph Evans

Joseph Evans is a drummer from Stockton. His passion for drumming started at the age of three, and by high school, he developed an interest in jazz. Under the mentorship of drummer Matthew Smith Gentry and pianist Randy Sandoli, Evans honed his skills and deepened his love for the genre. He has had the privilege of performing with notable artists such as Glen Zaleski and Aubrey Logan, and went on tour in Paris with up and coming artist JoDavi. Evans has played on 12 albums and will be releasing his debut EP in 2025.

Pacific Jazz Ambassador 2026-27

Alejandro Martinez

Alejandro Martinez is a saxophonist and doubler from Houston, Texas, where he graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has performed with artists such as Jason Moran, Don Braden, Andre Hayward and the late Luis Gasca. Additionally, he has toured with honor bands such as the Herbie Hancock Peer-to-Peer Quintet as well as the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra directed by Vincent Gardner.

Pacific Jazz Ambassador 2024-27

Leo Milano

Leo Milano is a Chicago-based tenor saxophonist. He has been a part of various ensembles including the Peer-to-Peer All-Star Quintet sponsored by the Herbie Hancock Institute (2022-23), the Ernest Dawkins Young Master Ensemble and the Chicago Symphony Youth Orchestra. He is also affiliated with organizations such as the Jazz Institute of Chicago and Live The Spirit Residency. Milano continues to study and work as a performer and sideman through the United States.

Pacific Jazz Ambassador 2026-27

Clare Reinhold

Clare Reinhold is a bassist from Fresno, California. She began playing bass at the age of ten in her school orchestra and later started studying jazz under Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr. She has been apart of various ensembles such as the 2025 Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo at the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Downbeat award-winning Fresno State Jazz Orchestra, which performed at CASMEC in 2026. Her influences include the Oscar Peterson Trio, Ray Brown, Christian McBride, Emily Remler, Charlie Haden and Carole King.