Jay Hernández is ready for what's next.

The Roots, Jazz, and American Music (RJAM) student is graduating in just a few months. "Graduation this year feels surreal," Hernández said. But after years at the Conservatory, she feels "very ready to take on what the world has to offer for me and excited for a new adventure!"

With new beginnings, however, comes the end of an era. As leader of SFCM's Black Student Union, Hernández's February 28 concert will be her last at the Conservatory, and she wants to go out on a note of positivity—and more specifically, unity.

RJAM student Jay Hernández.

"Unity represents bringing all different ways that Black folks celebrate Blackness, the joy and power behind it!" Hernández said.

The Black Student Union Concert: Unity, Celebration of Sound will showcase a wide-ranging program celebrating classical repertoire and Black composers, alongside performances by children from Third Baptist Church, dancers from SF Ballet, and original music from The Black Excellence Band. "People can expect a powerful, intentional, high-energy experience showing our true definition of Black excellence!" Hernández added.

The program also features the Onde Trio, composed of Pre-College students Sydney Li-Jenkins, 15, Elan Dorman Mackenzie, 16, and Kamil Iny-Woods, 16. The violinist, cellist, and pianist began studying at SFCM in 2023 and are dedicated to bringing passionate interpretations of collaborative classical music to diverse audiences. They were recently featured on NPRs From the Top.

The Onde Trio.

Student-led clubs and organizations provide meaningful opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests or identities. Many also offer performance platforms like this one and spaces to build community and showcase talent beyond the studio or department.

For Hernández, curating a distinctive final concert was essential. The evening opens with a Pablo Blanc pre-show DJ set, moves through classic repertoire including Tchaikovsky and Mahalia Jackson's "Amazing Grace," and then expands into original works that push artistic boundaries. Most importantly, she hopes the performance leaves a lasting impact.

"I just hope people are ready to get their mind blown and ready to feel differently than how they walked in!" she said.

Guests are invited to reserve their free seat at the Black Student Union Concert: Unity, Celebration of Sound on Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:30 PM