Band Director Support Program
We provide financial resources and support to help full time band directors grow their jazz program.
“Jazz Empowers has benefited my program immensely because there are things that these students would probably not have been able to experience without the financial and moral support from Jazz Empowers. I highly recommend Jazz Empowers to anyone with a jazz band or who has aspirations for starting a jazz band.”
Dr. Ollie Liddell - Memphis Central High School
Winner of 2025 Essentially Ellington Finals
Program Overview
The Jazz Empowers Band Director Support Program provides funding, educational resources, and professional coaching to help promising jazz programs at Title I schools grow and thrive. Schools selected for the program receive a $1,000 grant that can be used for instruments, sheet music, and other essential program needs, along with full access to Jazz Empowers’ curriculum resources. Participating directors also receive personalized coaching sessions designed to strengthen their skills as effective jazz educators and build sustainable, high-quality jazz programs for their students.
4 EE Finalists
4 Parter Schools in This Program were named a finalist band at the 2025 or 2026 Essentially Ellington Festival
$1000 Grant
Each Partner School Recieves At Least a $1,000 grant
Video Highlights
“Jazz Empowers has been essential in the growth of the jazz program at Celia Cruz High School. With their support, we have been able to bring in guest artists to work with the band and purchase much needed supplies. We could not have made it this far without the generous support and partnership that Jazz Empowers provides, and we are so excited to be representing the the northeast at the 2020 Essentially Ellington Finals.”
Penelope Smetters-Jacono, Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music
2020 and 2025 EE Finalist and winner of 2020 National Jazz Festival
“Jazz Empowers has made a tremendous difference for our jazz program at Alexander Hamilton High School. Their support funds one of our after-school combo instructors for the entire school year, giving our students access to high-level musical instruction and opportunities they otherwise would not have. The impact Jazz Empowers has on our students and program is truly significant.”
Philip Topping, Alexander Hamilton High School
2026 EE Finalist