The 2025–2026 school year marked an extraordinary chapter for Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, as the Jazz Department—led by Mr. James Westfall (Class of 2000), Director of Jazz Studies—hosted two milestone festivals and along with DocFest, honored three distinguished alumni with induction into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame.
Fall Jazz Festival — November 8, 2025
The Fall Jazz Festival featured HSPVA Jazz Combos I, II, III along with the Fusion Jazz Combo, Guitar ensemble and Piano Duets. Saturday’s concert featured HSPVA Jazz Ensemble led by Doc Morgan along with Hall of Fame inductees, the brothers Daleton and Brandon Lee.
Both musicians were formally inducted into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame by DocFest, honoring their artistic achievements and their continued influence on jazz performance and education.
Spring Jazz Festival — April 18, 2026
The Spring Jazz Festival carried special significance as the school celebrated the 50th Annual Spring Jazz Festival, a halfcentury tradition showcasing student excellence and community support. Hall of Fame member trombonist Andre Hayward was featured both nights. The trombone emphasis included the current students trombone section joined by several of Saul Gonzales’ bandmates from 1978-1980, with Andre Hayward recreating one of Saul’s recorded solos.
During this historic event, Saul (Sal) Gonzales — Trombone (Class of 1980) — was posthumously inducted into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame by DocFest. Saul’s family attended the ceremony and accepted the award with deep pride, honoring his legacy as a musician and alumnus.
Honoring Legacy, Inspiring the Future
The 2025–2026 jazz season highlighted the enduring impact of HSPVA’s alumni and the strength of its jazz program. Through the leadership of Mr. Westfall and the support of DocFest, students and families experienced a year that honored the past while inspiring the next generation of jazz artists.
DocFest Houston 