Two local high school students from Thomas County Central High School experienced a remarkable opportunity to perform with the renowned Uptown Jazz Orchestra, led by Grammy Award-winning musician Delfeayo Marsalis. This unique engagement was made possible through the educational outreach of the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation (TEF), which aims to enrich the arts community.
As part of a concert series held on January 30, 2026, Marsalis led a jazz workshop the day before, where he collaborated with the TCCHS Jazz Ensemble. During this session, students honed their skills in learning music by ear and developing their improvisation techniques. Marsalis highlighted the talents of two band members, trumpeter Zachary Padilla and saxophonist Maximus Mares, inviting them to perform alongside his orchestra at the sold-out concert.
Following a brief orientation, Padilla and Mares took to the stage at the Thomasville Center for the Arts, where they performed a full concert of unfamiliar jazz pieces. They successfully sight-read and improvised music in front of an enthusiastic audience of nearly 500 attendees. In a notable moment, Marsalis also allowed each student to take center stage for their own improvised solos.
Mares expressed excitement about the experience, stating, “Playing sax with Delfeayo Marsalis and his group was a very exciting experience. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, the hospitality of the group made it a lot less nerve-wracking.” He praised Marsalis for his exceptional musical talent and knowledge. “I’m incredibly grateful for having the opportunity to do something like that,” he added, emphasizing the lasting impact of the experience on his musical journey.
Padilla echoed similar sentiments, describing the invitation to perform as “a dream come true.” He noted that being surrounded by world-class musicians was inspiring and pushed him to elevate his own playing. “The energy on stage was warm and lively, making me feel like I belonged,” Padilla shared, asserting that the experience has fueled his passion for music.
Band Director Joe Regina reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “This was an incredible experience for our students. To have jazz royalty like Delfeayo Marsalis come to our school and work with our students was an amazing opportunity.” Regina praised Padilla and Mares for their courage in performing unfamiliar music and stepping forward for solos.
The Thomasville Entertainment Foundation has a clear mission: to captivate audiences with live performances while nurturing future talents through educational initiatives. Executive & Artistic Director Rick Ivey noted that the engagement with Marsalis perfectly aligned with their goals. “Delfeayo and his ensemble were so gracious and encouraging with these young musicians,” Ivey remarked, highlighting the impressive feat of sight-reading and improvising in front of a live audience.
Founded in 1937, the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation celebrates its 88th season of enriching the community through performance arts. TEF not only provides concerts and family programming but also offers scholarships and educational outreach programs, ensuring free participation for students in workshops and events. Such initiatives underscore TEF’s commitment to fostering the next generation of artists.
