Student musician Jackson Shaeffer performed his original percussion composition “In Good Company” during the 2025 SLA Undergraduate Diploma Ceremony in tribute to his favorite musicians and mentors.
The piece's title references the lineage of drummers and musicians Jackson worked with during his time at Tulane and in New Orleans. Rooted in gratitude and admiration, it acknowledges the musical kinship he formed with peers and friends who supported him along the way. Themes of reflection, improvisation, and community were all at the forefront of his mind while developing the piece — ultimately affirming that music is not a solitary pursuit, even when performed alone. "I am thankful that all of these people have played a major role in helping me develop the tools I need to succeed as an artist and as a person," he shared.
Jackson graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music and plans to stay in New Orleans for the foreseeable future to continue working as a performer and educator.
View Jackson's musical performance: