Emilio L Modeste

Emilio Modeste is a sixteen-year-old jazz saxophonist. He began playing the saxophone at the age of eight, and has worked with respected musicians such as Brian Landrus, Walter Blanding, Antoine Roney, Wynton Marsalis, Larry Willis, Rene McLean, Jon Irabagon, Aaron Diehl (his first piano teacher) and many others. At the age of eleven, Emilio joined the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra. He is now the band leader and has responsibilities on and off the bandstand, varying from choosing and rehearsing songs to recommending songs to learn and giving advice to peers. Emilio joined the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on their tour dates, and has traveled to many places in the United States and abroad, including: Australia, England, Germany, Argentina, Guatemala, and Panama.

Emilio has a philosophical understanding of music, which deepens through learning from mentors in the jazz community, listening to music constantly, traveling domestically and abroad, studying cultural history and musician biographies, attending a variety of cultural events and performances, and applying what he's learned to all he plays. Emilio is consumed by music. It is his passion and his goal is to share the emotions he has when he plays and hears music with the rest of the world.

A regular on the NYC jazz scene, Emilio has performed at: The Bronx Beer Hall on Arthur Avenue; Small’s Jazz Club in the West Village; Cassandra’s Jazz Club & Gallery, Minton’s Playhouse, Bill’s Place and the American Legion in Harlem; Cleopatra’s Needle, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, and Dizzy’s Club on the Upper West Side; Sista’s Place in Brooklyn; and weekly at the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra’s Sunday brunch, and as a member of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s nationally acclaimed combo.

Photo of Emilio L Modeste w soprano & tenor sax, David Kenas Photography

Awards

Clive Davis Award for music

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