Jazz Empowers Launches Advisory Board to Provide Expert Advice on Program Development

Nashville, Tenn. - (October 5th, 2020) Jazz Empowers, a national nonprofit bringing jazz programs to students in underserved schools, announced the founding of their advisory board.  The advisory board is comprised of some of the top jazz musicians in the world and will provide expert advice to Jazz Empowers staff as they continue to develop best practices in teaching students jazz.

The 10 founding Advisory Board members are saxophonists Lakecia Benjamin, Jeff Coffin, Jon Irabagon, Bob Mintzer, Ted Nash, Miguel Zenon, trumpeters Dave Douglas, Terell Stafford, trombonist Michael Dease, and drummer Allison Miller.

Advisory board members will meet with Jazz Empowers staff a few times a year, offering feedback on curriculum and program development. They will be able to share their professional opinions and insights surrounding jazz education, helping Jazz Empowers shape their programming to best serve and prepare their students.

The board members tout a collective 10 Grammy wins and 45 nominations, a McArthur Genius Grant winner, and many album releases that have been atop the 2020 jazz charts. The advisory board also includes jazz faculty members at the University of Southern California, Temple University, Vanderbilt University, and many other top collegiate jazz programs.

“We at Jazz Empowers are elated to partner with this diverse group of world class musicians,” says Jazz Empowers Founder and Executive Director Andrew Johnston. “Their input and expertise will help us continue to build innovative programs and curriculum that will have a transformative impact on our students’ lives.”

Advisory board members are also very excited to begin the partnership. 

“Music education is even more important now, when so many of us are isolated from each other,” says advisory board member and world-renowned trumpeter Dave Douglas.  “Music is a uniting force that also demonstrates the qualities of cooperation and citizenship. Jazz Empowers continues to lead the way in upholding and furthering our culture and humanity!”