Cadence Okuwobi, a 16-year-old double bass player from Cincinnati, stands as the sole musician from Ohio selected for this year’s National Youth Orchestra Jazz program. Cincinnati Magazine reported that the prestigious summer initiative, hosted by Carnegie Hall, chose only 22 participants nationwide from applicants aged 16 to 19.
Okuwobi, a rising senior at Walnut Hills High School, secured her spot after submitting eight video arrangements and two essays following a month of preparation at the Cincinnati Jazz Academy. Her musical journey began with piano and cello before she switched to upright bass in fourth grade through support from the academy’s founder, who provided her instrument and lessons.
The selected ensemble spent two weeks in New York City during late July engaging in masterclasses and rehearsals led by band director Kris Johnson. Faculty members encouraged the young artists to play with confidence and interpret music beyond the written notes. The group performed an opening concert at Carnegie Hall on August 1 featuring Grammy Award-winning singer Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Following their New York residency, the orchestra launched an international tour starting in San Francisco before traveling to Taichung, Shanghai, and Beijing. During the Asian leg of the tour, participants will rehearse with the Taichung Youth Orchestra. Okuwobi noted that she looks forward to observing how jazz styles vary across different global regions.
Beyond this program, Okuwobi continues to perform locally with her own band and teaches professional skills through her Beyond the Notes Workshop. She expressed a desire to join a stable ensemble capable of growing together over multiple years rather than playing in temporary pickup groups.
For more information, visit cincinnatimagazine.com.