2018 BSM Guest Artist Musicians: Jazz

Skylar Jackson, drums

Skylar Jackson is the co-founder/owner of ASM Studios, a local music and arts school in East Orlando. There he coordinates the bands and ensembles, as well as teaches drumset, percussion, piano and the ASM Steelpan Ensemble. He teaches the drumline at Lyman High School, as well as helps with other local middle and high school music programs. Skylar is also an active performer across central Florida playing in many different groups and styles. He graduated with honors from Valencia College in 2012 with an A.A. pre-majoring in Jazz Studies. And in 2017 he graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors in Music Performance, specializing in Jazz Studies. Skylar studied with Barry James, Barry Smith, and the jazz luminary Marty Morrell while pursing his education. Additionally, he has performed in master classes for Kenny Barron, Ira Sullivan, Catherine Russell, David Hazeltine, Leroy Jones, and Eric Alexander.

nick colarossi, bass guiitar

Nic Colarossi is an Orlando bassist who recently graduated from Rollins College with a degree in Music. For 2017-2018 he worked as Station manager of WPRK 91.5 FM, Rollins College's student run radio station. He worked previously as an audio engineer and has hundreds of hours of live broadcast and life sound engineering experience. Nic has also worked for 3 years on the music staff at First Baptist Church Winter Park. Between these things, he also teaches music lessons, repairs computers and sells items on eBay. 

ALex lewis, trumpet

Alex Lewis is a trumpet player and music teacher in Orlando, Florida. He grew up in the Central Florida area and holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Florida. Alex received training and instruction there from John Almeida and Jeff Rupert.
Alex is a sought-after musician in the Central Florida area.  He was featured as a soloist with Josh Groban in 2016 on a tour to promote the album "Stages." Alex aspires to communicate a strong message about the importance of music and jazz to listeners and students, and to create a positive impact in the lives of those close to him. He feels that the title of "musician" refers to much more than the ability to play an instrument, stressing that being a "musician" also represents the content of one's moral character, professionalism, and ability to work with, connect with, and understand other human beings.
Alex Lewis is a trumpet player and music teacher in Orlando, Florida. He grew up in the Central Florida area and holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Florida. Alex received training and instruction there from John Almeida and Jeff Rupert.

Alex is a sought-after musician in the Central Florida area. He was featured as a soloist with Josh Groban in 2016 on a tour to promote the album "Stages."

Alex aspires to communicate a strong message about the importance of music and jazz to listeners and students, and to create a positive impact in the lives of those close to him. He feels that the title of "musician" refers to much more than the ability to play an instrument, stressing that being a "musician" also represents the content of one's moral character, professionalism, and ability to work with, connect with, and understand other human beings.