Juilliard Jazz Betty Carter Ensemble

The Betty Carter Ensemble, led by renowned pianist and composer Donald Vega, is a dynamic performance-based jazz group that emphasizes small group composition, arranging, and ensemble skills. With a strong focus on improvisation, a hallmark of its namesake, Betty Carter, the ensemble explores a wide range of jazz styles. Under Vega's leadership, the group performs classic jazz standards along with innovative new compositions, creating fresh, engaging interpretations that push the boundaries of jazz. Known for their exceptional musicianship and creative synergy, the ensemble offers a unique listening experience that showcases each member's improvisational prowess while honoring the legacy of jazz greats. Don't miss the chance to witness these remarkable performances— an extraordinary celebration of jazz in its most expressive form.

Donald Vega, Ensemble Coach 
Ace Williams, Trumpet
Langston Hughes,  Alto Saxophone
Veronica Leahy,  Alto Saxophone
Daniel Cohen, Tenor Saxophone
Andre Perlman, Trombone
Jake Nalangan, Piano
Eytan Schillinger-Hyman, Bass
Anton Kot-Burke, Drums

Wynton Marsalis, Director
Aaron Flagg, Chair and Associate Director
Anika Adilifu, Administrative and Production Manager
Alex Ball, Jazz Operations and Library Manager
Wyatt Camery, Jazz Administrative Apprentice

Each of Juilliard Jazz’s small ensembles is named after a jazz legend. This does not mean the named ensemble will solely perform the works of that artist, but invoking these names reminds us, and our audience, of our music’s great history and its interconnectedness. In addition, ensemble coaches will incorporate important aspects of each artist’s work into their ensemble teaching throughout the year.

The named ensembles and their coaches: • Dave Brubeck Ensemble, in the spirit of integrating arts, coached by Jennifer Krupa. • Betty Carter Ensemble, in the spirit of scatting, musical freedom, and reimagination, coached by Donald Vega • Dizzy Gillespie Ensemble, in the spirit of innovation, dance, Afro-Latin music, humor, and teaching, coached by Elio Villafranca • Jelly Roll Morton Ensemble, in the spirit of interpreting the original meanings of jazz, coached by Doug Wamble • Max Roach Ensemble, in the spirit of Civil Rights experimentation and understanding of the African Diaspora, coached by Isaiah J. Thompson • Mary Lou Williams Ensemble, in the spirit of stride piano, arranging, and intellectual discourse on music techniques and meaning, coached by Bruce Williams • Duke Ellington Ensemble (Artist Diploma Ensemble), in the spirit of being ambassadors to the world, coached by Ben Wolfe.