Cincinnati Teen Performed in Jazz Program
Local student Cadence Okuwobi joined an elite youth orchestra for a global jazz tour during summer 2026.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Jazz
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Cincinnati high school student Cadence Okuwobi was selected as one of two upright bassists for the National Youth Orchestra Jazz Program in summer 2026. The 16-year-old musician joined 22 teenagers for a residency and international tour that included performances at Carnegie Hall.
Why it matters
The program provides a rare platform for elite teenage musicians to undergo intensive training and perform globally. Okuwobi is now planning to continue her musical development alongside her academic goals in biochemistry.
The National Youth Orchestra Jazz Program selected only 2 upright bassists for the 2026 season out of a total cohort of 22 teenage musicians. Participants underwent a selection process that required submitting personal essays and performance videos.
The players
Cadence Okuwobi
She is a Cincinnati high school student and musician who was selected for the National Youth Orchestra Jazz Program.
Myles Ellington Twitty
He is a musician who performed in a quintet with Cadence Okuwobi on August 22, 2026.
The details
Okuwobi, who began playing music at age 5 and shifted to the upright bass in summer 2022, performed across several international cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Taichung. On August 22, 2026, she performed in a quintet alongside Myles Ellington Twitty.
Timeline
March 2021: Cadence started at the Cincinnati Jazz Academy.
June 2021: Cadence began learning bass.
Summer 2022: Cadence started playing upright bass.
Summer 2026: National Youth Orchestra Jazz Program tour occurred.
August 22, 2026: Cadence performed with Myles Ellington Twitty.
Industry Dynamics
The National Youth Orchestra Jazz Program serves as a significant pipeline for young talent entering collegiate music studies. By providing a global stage, it helps bridge the gap between high school training and professional jazz education.
This achievement highlights the competitive nature of national music programs for young students. Local aspiring musicians can look to Okuwobi's path of training at the Cincinnati Jazz Academy as a potential roadmap for reaching national stages.
The takeaway
Okuwobi's experience underscores the dedication required to balance high-level performance with long-term academic ambitions. Her trajectory demonstrates how early training at local academies can lead to prestigious international opportunities for dedicated teenagers.
Further reading
Explore more local talent and events in the Jazz section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cincinnati.
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