Valencia High School's
Two N' Four Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Valencia High School’s award-winning Two N’ Four Vocal Jazz Ensemble will take the national stage as a Showcase Performer at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in New Orleans. The ensemble will present a 50-minute showcase on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. on the New Voices Stage.
JEN Conference Performance Schedule
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
9:00 a.m. | New Voices Room
Two N’ Four Showcase
Special guest artists: Aubrey Johnson,
Mt. SAC Singcopation and First Take Directed by Dr. Jeremy Fox
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
9:00 a.m. | New Voices Room
Mt. SAC Singcopation Showcase
Guest feature (one selection) with Mt. SAC Singcopation and First Take
Directed by Dr. Jeremy Fox
5:00 p.m. | Foster 1
Our Secrets of Success: Rehearsal Techniques Session
Presented by Jeremy Fox, Christine Tavares-Mocha, John Stafford,
Sara Gazarek, and Natalie Wilson
Featuring Two N' Four, MtSAC Singcopation and First Take
6:00 p.m. | New Voices Room
The Aubrey Johnson Group
Featuring Two N' Four on Aubrey Johnson’s original arrangement, “Hope”
Special thanks to our incredible rhythm section—Matt Falker, Brandon Dickert, and Ron Suffredini—and deep appreciation to our coaches Cassie Nickols Gonzalez and JP Dewey for their artistry and guidance.
About Two N' Four:
Two N’ Four Vocal Jazz Ensemble has repeatedly earned DownBeat Magazine’s recognition as a Top High School Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble. They have appeared as featured performers at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, Catalina Jazz Club, and Vibrato Grill, as well as at the ACDA National Conference. In 2026, the ensemble was also featured at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in New Orleans.
Valencia High School is a public school with an open-access philosophy: no student is turned away from performance opportunities due to funding. We are committed to supporting students as they pursue artistic and musical excellence. Many Valencia Choir students have gone on to receive scholarships in the arts, including full-ride awards to study music and jazz.
Valencia Choir’s mission is to inspire, uplift, and cultivate community through musical storytelling. To learn more about Valencia High School and its choral programs, visit ValenciaChoir.com.
Amaya Briggs
Soprano
12th Grade
I’m so excited to perform, grow as a vocalist and to meet new people through this experience. I am passionate about connecting with others through music. And I plan to study Vocal Performance or Musical Theatre in college.
Isla Bruner
Alto
11th Grade
I am beyond excited and filled with so much hope for this trip and the amazing opportunities and experiences it will bring for me and my fantastic group! When I graduate I want to continue the path of music and performance and receive my education in New York! I want a fresh new start and a new environment to rebuild and shape my career in new ways.
Birdie West
Soprano 1
10th Grade
I am excited to be in the jazz capital and meet new people.
I plan to study musical theatre or acting in college and am looking for summer programs.
Kai Florencio Gomez
Tenor
10th Grade
I can’t wait to meet so many new people and get inspiration from all of the different groups.
I plan to study in college to become a medical specialist or an entertainment lawyer, but I do plan to get a minor in music. Music has been the most important part of my life since I was super young and I’m so excited to perform for everyone.
Jude Harper
Tenor
11th Grade
I can’t wait for this new adventure at JEN, I’m excited to meet new people and be exposed to new musical talents. Outside of vocal jazz, I love Wrestling, and exploring the outdoors.
Ricky Lucero
Tenor
11th Grade
I’m really excited to perform in front of people and share our music. Performing is something I genuinely love because it allows me to connect with an audience and tell a story, and I plan to go into musical theater after high school.
Jonathan McPhee
Bass
12th grade
I am a senior planning to major in Music Education while continuing to develop my composition skills. I have been singing in vocal jazz groups for five years, with three of those years spent serving as an assistant conductor and choir council member. I have completed a three-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in Music Industry and am a member of the auditioned Academy Choir of Los Angeles (ACLA) under the direction of Rob Deitz. I have arranged and transcribed music for school and student-led choirs, and I have performed vocal percussion with the award-winning student-led group Measure 25, which I am directing this year.
I am especially enthusiastic about concepts that overlap math and music, such as polyrhythms, subdivisions, and unusual time signatures. I love working with others who share a passion for musicianship and find leadership deeply fulfilling.
I aspire to teach in order to inspire others and help spark the same excitement for music that drives me.
McKenzie Medland
Alto 2
11th Grade
i’m so excited and grateful to be going to jen because me and my peers have worked so hard to get here and i’m so excited for all the learning opportunities we will have.
I’ve been exploring different areas during high school but I plan on either studying music or political science.