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Hot Java Cool Jazz

shine at Starbucks 28th

High school musicians

performance at the historic Paramount Theatre.

the Seattle area’s top jazz musicians for a sold-out performance at the historic Paramount Theatre.

Starbucks 28th Hot Java Cool Jazz brought together some of the Seattle area’s top jazz musicians for a sold-out performance at the historic Paramount Theatre.

MAY 5, 2025

Read time: 8 min

By Thanh Tan/photos by Connor Surdi

Pre-dawn rehearsals, instruments in hand, and nonstop practice, that’s high school jazz band life.

igh school jazz band often means getting up early – arriving at school for rehearsal in the pre-dawn hours with a backpack on one shoulder, instrument on the other. And then there’s the hours and hours of practice.

“When I was in middle school, I remember carrying a heavy instrument to school and the [other kids] were like, ‘You could just practice on weekends, don’t worry about it,’” said Sky, who plays saxophone for Roosevelt High School. “But to find a community that was very dedicated to their craft and that shared my dreams and ambitions – I feel like band was one of the first activities where I felt included and that I could contribute to and that I had fun in.”

On March 28, Starbucks Hot Java Cool Jazz brought together some of the Seattle area’s top musicians for a sold-out performance for nearly 3,000 people under the bright lights of the historic Paramount Theatre. The event featured jazz bands from Garfield High School, Bothell High School, Mountlake Terrace High School, Roosevelt High School and Mount Si High School, with many playing songs to honor legendary artist and Garfield alum Quincy Jones.

Every Sip

Tells a Tale

personal growth, and community among young musicians.

Stories underscoring the profound impact of music in fostering connections,

Over the event’s 28 years, Hot Java Cool Jazz has raised more than $1.3 million to Washington high school music programs to support young musicians and their passion for music.

Kaylee from Mountlake Terrace plays on the same trumpet that both her father and great-uncle used to play on. While it wasn’t always easy, she says jazz helped her find her way through the highs and lows of high school.

“Even on down days, it’s still so nice to be able to go to band, even if it’s for 50 minutes, and then just play out all these songs,” Kaylee said. “Even if it’s not the best I’ve played it, even if it’s not the best everyone else has played it, there’s never a dull day there.”

“Even on down days, band turned everything around. There's never a dull moment with jazz.”

The Hot Java Cool Jazz Show

Coming to you (almost) live from the historic Paramount Theatre – it’s the Hot Java Cool Jazz Talk Show! We’ll sit down with some of this year’s musicians for a candid conversation about life and jazz.

The Hot Java Cool Jazz Show

How many jazz instruments can you name in 20 seconds? Teams from this year’s event compete to answer rapid fire questions, do musical impressions, and play fill-in-the-blank for bragging rights on the 2025 Hot Java Cool Jazz Game Show!

Hot Java Cool Jazz TV

A rooftop at sunset, a cozy lounge with red velvet curtains – or a desert with camels? Hot Java Cool Jazz musicians create their own old-school music videos with some of their favorite jazz pieces.

Hot Java Cool Jazz 101

What is Hot Java Cool Jazz? Go behind the scenes with some of this year’s musicians to see what goes into bringing this spectacular event to life.

Let’s hear from a few of the
evening’s seniors

FUN FACT

In wage increases, training program expansion and equipment upgrades for U.S. retail partners.

Mountlake Terrace High School, music isn't just about notes on a page—it's about shared goals, lasting connections, and personal growth. For Justin, a dedicated member of the school’s jazz band who plays both trumpet and guitar, the experience of playing in a collective has been transformative. “I always like being in a group collective where you all strive to achieve that one goal,” he explains. “You can do this as an individual, but when you’re surrounded by others all working for the same goal of making great music, it’s just inspiring.” That energy—of being surrounded by peers equally passionate about music—pushes him to work harder, to show up more fully, and to grow not just as a musician, but as a person. For Justin, band is more than a class or an extracurricular—it's a community, a safe space, and a source of daily motivation.

Now a seasoned member of the program, Justin also dreams of paying that experience forward. As he continues to hone his craft, he’s already thinking about how to create a similarly encouraging space for younger musicians. “It’s my dream to be in a group of people where everybody is just so excited to play and get better,” he says. “I hope that I can create an environment and also help younger musicians.” Reflecting on his journey, he credits much of his growth to the incredible teachers he’s had along the way. “I got really lucky running into the teachers that I did because they were all so helpful. I want to pass that down.” Justin’s story is a reminder that the power of music extends far beyond the stage—it builds character, nurtures leadership, and inspires a new generation of artists ready to lift each other up.

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“We enjoy being here … it’s just like, ‘Wow, I’m glad I get to play more music with you guys. I’m glad we have all these cool opportunities.”

Miep, trombone, Garfield High School

Justin’s journey is just one example of how school music programs like those supported by Hot Java Cool Jazz create lasting impact. Through shared passion, mentorship, and the joy of making music together, students not only grow as artists—they discover who they are and who they want to become.