Clay Jenkins

Trumpet | Rochester, NY

Clay Jenkins’ career as a jazz artist has covered a wide range of musical experiences and responsibilities, bringing him to the forefront of the jazz performing and teaching arenas. His experience as a performer began at an early age playing with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Harry James, Buddy Rich, and finally, the Count Basie Orchestra. Since moving to Rochester, NY, to become Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the Eastman School of Music in 2000, Jenkins has maintained a busy performing, recording, and teaching schedule. He continues to perform and record with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, of which he is a charter member. He has also been a member of the Joe La Barbera Quintet for 25 years. Jenkins has released eight solo recordings. In 2018, Jenkins initiated “The Snooky Young Endowed Scholarship” at the Eastman School of Music in honor of the great trumpet artist Eugene “Snooky” Young. This scholarship is specifically intended to benefit students of under-represented minorities. 2024 is Clay’s 19th year at Birch Creek. 

Website: www.clayjenkins.net/