Transgender trumpet player, Jens Briscoe, has been positively changed through the arts

For many, back to school also means back to rehearsals. Each year, thousands of students from across the country compete for a chance to go to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York.

This week on California Life, we highlight a transgender trumpet player in San Diego, California who was recently honored at The Ben Vereen Awards and whose life has been positively changed through the arts.

Jens Briscoe, a Rancho Bernardo High School student, learned about what transgender meant during his 8th grade year. From then on, he faced challenges doing basic, everyday tasks such as going to the bathroom and walking down the school hallway.

Fortunately, Jens had the support of his parents, teachers, classmates and fellow performers – giving him a creative outlet to express his emotions.

“Music is a big part of my life. It’s helped me through really tough times. When I feel sad I can draw it out by playing an emotional piece,” Jens explained.

Jens’ talent and creativity on stage caught the eye of legendary stage a screen star Ben Vereen who invited him to perform at the 2017 Ben Vereen Awards as apart of his Wellness Through the Arts Initiative.

To learn more about Jens journey and expression through the arts, watch the full segment below or see it air nationwide on California Life with Heather Dawson.