Mayor Aftab Pureval Visits Cincinnati Jazz Academy to Celebrate Young Musicians

Mayor Aftab Pureval with Cincinnati Jazz Academy Students

This week, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval paid a special visit to the Cincinnati Jazz Academy (CJA) at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, where he met with student musicians and congratulated them on their hard work and dedication to jazz. The Mayor took time to speak with the students, hear about their experiences in the program, and recognize their commitment to honing their craft. His visit was a powerful reminder of the impact that arts education has in shaping the lives of young people across the city.

The Cincinnati Jazz Academy, a partnership between Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) and Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), provides barrier-free jazz education for students in grades 4-12. Through ensemble instruction, private lessons, and performances, CJA students develop both musical and life skills in a supportive, community-focused environment. This year, students had the incredible opportunity to perform at the CPS International Jazz Festival at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, where they showcased their talents alongside internationally acclaimed jazz artists.

Mayor Pureval’s visit was a celebration of the hard work these young musicians have put into their craft and a recognition of the program’s impact on Cincinnati’s cultural landscape. His encouragement reinforced the importance of providing accessible arts education and uplifting the next generation of jazz artists. As the Cincinnati Jazz Academy continues to grow, moments like these highlight the power of music to inspire, unite, and create lasting change.