Testimonials

Students

“I like playing in the jazz band because it’s a connection that I build with my band members.”
— Josh (piano)
“I enjoy school because of jazz band - I look forward to learning new skills.”
— Melinda (trumpet)
Meet Tyler. He joined us here at Jazz Empowers a little over a year ago, and he's been loving it. Check out what he has to say about his experiences making music thus far, and stay tuned for more updates!
“I get to make music I never thought I would be able to make.”
— Tyler
Meet Eva. She's a gifted piano player and we're very fortunate to have her with us at Jazz Empowers. She joined just over a year ago, and she sounds fantastic. She's got some great stuff to say as she is wise beyond her years. Stay tuned for more updates!
“I wasn’t a jazz musician when I joined, I joined because I wanted to be one.”
— Eva

Band Directors

“I was lucky enough to be brought on by Jazz Empowers at the moment that my jazz program was really starting to get good, and at the moment where I needed support as their band director.”
— Penelope Smetters-Jacono (director, Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music)
“There are things that these these students would probably not be able to experience without the financial and moral support of Jazz Empowers.”
— Dr. Ollie Liddell (director, Memphis Central High School)

Instructors

NYC Jazz Empowers instructor Danny Fernandez talks about his experience and the impact that Jazz Empowers programs are having on youth.
“The students are getting to know themselves through improvisation and that takes courage.”
— Danny Fernandez

Jazz Greats

Jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt talks about jazz education and the impact it can have on students growing up in low income communities.
“The importance of jazz education, well, you really can’t underestimate it at all.”
— Jeremy Pelt