The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami is proud to introduce the Stamps Jazz Quintet, a new, elite jazz ensemble comprised of five outstanding young jazz musicians selected from across the nation. This exciting initiative, made possible by the prestigious Stamps Scholars Program, underscores a significant commitment to nurturing the next wave of jazz talent and further cements Miami’s position as a leading center for exceptional jazz education and performance. The Stamps Jazz Quintet aims to provide an unparalleled developmental platform for these gifted artists.
The Stamps Scholars Program: Cultivating Elite Jazz Talent
The Stamps Scholars Program, a distinguished initiative generously supported by E. Roe and Penny Stamps, is widely recognized for identifying and championing exceptional students in various academic fields at premier universities. At the Frost School of Music, this program presents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring musicians, especially those dedicated to jazz. Recipients of the Stamps Ensemble Scholarship receive comprehensive, four-year scholarships, covering full tuition, room and board, and crucial enrichment activities, including travel and performance engagements. This substantial financial support enables these artists to fully immerse themselves in their musical growth without the distraction of considerable expenses. The program is intentionally structured to foster not only accomplished individual performers but also cohesive, collaborative artists who can mature together throughout their undergraduate careers. The Stamps Jazz Quintet now joins other esteemed Stamps ensembles at Frost, such as the Brass Quintet, String Quartet, and Wind Quintet, all dedicated to providing intensive chamber music experiences and furthering the development of young jazz musicians.
A New Generation of Jazz Masters with the Stamps Jazz Quintet
The five musicians chosen for the Stamps Jazz Quintet have already exhibited exceptional talent, strong leadership qualities, and academic prowess, meeting the demanding benchmarks established by the Frost School of Music and the Stamps Scholars Program. They will perform as a unified group throughout their four years at the university, facilitating the profound development of their collective sound and repertoire. This unique, long-term collaboration is a fundamental element of the program, instilling a professional approach to music-making from an early stage. The Stamps Jazz Quintet is poised to become a significant force in contemporary jazz.
The ensemble is under the expert guidance of Professor Charles Bergeron, a highly respected figure in jazz education and performance. Professor Bergeron serves as the Program Director for Jazz Pedagogy and leads the Stamps Jazz Quintet, alongside other distinguished faculty members from the Studio Music and Jazz department. Their mentorship is instrumental in shaping the quintet’s artistic vision and refining their performance abilities, significantly contributing to the Stamps Jazz Quintet’s journey.
Meet the Stamps Jazz Quintet’s Accomplished Members
The members of the newly formed Stamps Jazz Quintet are already accomplished musicians with impressive achievements:
* Ben Collins-Siegel (Piano): Hailing from Maplewood, New Jersey, Collins-Siegel is a 2023 YoungArts finalist and was a vital member of the National Youth Orchestra/NYO Jazz in 2025 and the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra in 2023. He has secured multiple DownBeat Student Music Awards for High School Jazz Soloist and has shared the stage with esteemed artists like John Pizzarelli, further highlighting the caliber of the Stamps Jazz Quintet.
* Tanvi Kumar (Violin & Vocals): A distinguished graduate of the Berkeley High School Jazz Program, Kumar from Berkeley, California, has led her own successful quintet and participated in national youth ensembles, including the San Francisco Jazz High School All Stars. She has also contributed as an arranger for ensembles like the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo, showcasing the diverse talents within this elite jazz ensemble.
* Laesio Littlejohn (Bass): From Washington, D.C., Littlejohn has garnered significant recognition, including being named Outstanding Bassist at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Jazz Orchestra competition for both 2024 and 2025. He has also received Downbeat Student Music Awards in 2024 and 2025 and performed with the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra in 2022, underscoring the depth of talent assembled for the Stamps Jazz Quintet.
* Jeremy Baun (Drums): Baun, from West Hartford, Connecticut, possesses a robust background in acclaimed jazz programs, having performed in the Concert Jazz Band at William H. Hall High School and with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, exemplifying the strong foundation of the young jazz musicians in the Stamps Jazz Quintet.
* Mason Jerome (Guitar): A graduate of the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory from Chicago, Illinois, Jerome has performed at various Chicago clubs and has showcased his talent internationally, with performances in Portugal and Spain, demonstrating the global reach and ambition of the Stamps Jazz Quintet.
A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation in Jazz at Frost School of Music
The Stamps Jazz Quintet is poised to build upon the Frost School of Music’s profound legacy in jazz education and performance. The school, a vital center for musical innovation in Miami, has consistently cultivated award-winning artists and ensembles. Faculty members, such as jazz trumpet professor Brian Lynch, a Grammy Award winner, contribute to this rich environment. The Stamps program, with its unwavering commitment to comprehensive funding and dedicated mentorship, ensures that these exceptionally talented students receive an unparalleled educational experience. The ensemble’s established record of national and international performances and the creation of original music signal a bright future for this new iteration of the Stamps Jazz Quintet, contributing significantly to the vibrant news surrounding contemporary jazz music and the University of Miami music scene. The Stamps Jazz Quintet represents the pinnacle of jazz education Miami offers.
This elite jazz ensemble not only represents a significant artistic endeavor for the University of Miami but also serves as an inspiring testament to how dedicated scholarship programs can empower young artists to realize their full potential within the highly competitive world of music, further solidifying the reputation of the Stamps Jazz Quintet.
