harry jo
jazz saxophonist, flutist, and violinist
biography
Harry Jo is a Los Angeles–based musician currently studying at University of California, Los Angeles, where he was named a Regents Scholar, one of up to 75 students awarded the Regents Scholarship annually. He began studying piano at age five, violin at eight, and alto saxophone at eleven, eventually focusing primarily on saxophone.
In 2026, Jo was selected as one of only two alto saxophonists for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy Big Band with music director Christian McBride and performed with the ensemble with guest artists Kurt Elling and Lizz Wright.
In summer 2025, Jo toured internationally as Lead Alto Saxophonist with NYO Jazz under the direction of Sean Jones. The ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall and at major venues across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Santo Domingo, and Santiago. Throughout the tour, he performed lead alto parts and featured solos.
Jo previously spent three years as Lead Alto Saxophonist of the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Big Band and performed in the All-Stars Combo. With these groups, he toured nationally to New York, New Orleans, and Las Vegas, appearing in major festivals and competitions. In New York, both ensembles earned First Place at the 15th Annual Charles Mingus Festival. He has also received multiple ensemble and individual recognitions through the Essentially Ellington Festival and other national jazz events.
Jo is a National YoungArts Winner in Jazz (2024–26) and a recipient of the Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship Award and the Creative Youth Awards Presidential Award. He has also appeared on NPR's From the Top.
As a saxophone soloist, Jo won the 2023–24 concerto competition of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and performed at Davies Symphony Hall.
Earlier in his training, Jo performed as a First Violinist with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, served as Assistant Principal Second Violin with the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, and held Principal Second Violin as a fellow at the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He also performed at Carnegie Hall on violin as a winner of the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition.
Now based in Los Angeles, Jo continues to study and perform as a saxophonist while pursuing his degree at UCLA.
contact me
