The orchestra had an open rehearsal before the concert at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in Shanghai. And 80 members of the public took part in the rehearsal, many of whom were parents with their school-age children.

Fourteen-year old Zhao Junhuan who was there with his father swayed in his seat to the rhythm of the music. Zhao, who has spent three years learning to play the drums, was impressed with the American boys' performance, but said: "I will be able to play as well as them when I am their age".

Shanghai-based music critic Gu Chao said that the young musicians showed excellent technique that their performance was beyond his expectation. "What these lacked in experience, they made up with their love for music," he said. "Watching them play I was convinced that jazz is alive and contemporary, and far from being outdated."