News release
Valencia High School’s internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble, “Two N’ Four,” has been selected to perform at the 2026 Jazz Education Network International Conference in New Orleans.
Widely considered the “Super Bowl” of jazz education, this invitation is one of the highest honors a high school group can achieve, the group said in a news release.
The Valencia Vikings choir is launching a campaign to raise $7,500 to cover airfare and ensure every student can participate in this career-defining event in January, the release said.
The ensemble is riding a wave of high-profile local performances, having just represented the community at the Santa Clarita City Council, Mount San Antonio College, and the Disneyland Resort Candlelight Processional.
At the JEN Conference, Santa Clarita students will represent their city, state and the nation before an audience of industry icons, college recruiters, and thousands of peers from around the world.
“The No. 1 thing students need from teachers are real-world connections and a learn-by-doing atmosphere,” Christine Tavares-Mocha, a Berklee College of Music graduate who has directed the program for over 20 years, said in the release. “By sending ‘Two N’ Four’ to this conference, we are giving them the rare chance to build the professional network and business skills that can turn a high school passion into a lifelong career. More than that, networking, learning and watching other performers helps creatively inspire our next generation of movers and shakers in the artist fields.”
The choir program is seeking support from local businesses, alumni and community supporters. The Valencia Vikings Choir Booster Club is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are fully tax-deductible, the release said. To donate, go to givebutter.com/jen26.
For over a decade Valencia High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble has won multiple awards, including “Top High School Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble” from DownBeat Awards.
