It is a pleasure to give back to an organization that has inspired my son. He has learned so much while attending the Summer Jazz Workshop. This program has helped build his knowledge of music but more importantly, it has helped to build his character. The education received in this program can’t be taught in a classroom.

The Summer Jazz Workshop is the best thing that has happened for our youth with a strong musical interest. I absolutely love THE SUMMER JAZZ WORKSHOP!

This campaign is about the importance of Jazz Education. That fact has been our focus for the past 46 years, and we are going to keep proving scholarships and grants to students who share that same focus and passion. We are keeping the rich history and culture of jazz music alive.

When I was in SJW, I had the structure of the program, but also the mentorship from Don Wilkerson. He took the time to show me a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Now as an alumni, I am paying it forward. That’s what it’s about when you leave SJW. It’s about your commitment to the impact of the program and the continued benefit for the students.

As an artist and instructor with SJW, I want for my students to achieve much greater than me. With this program, we are giving these young students the creative tools and information necessary to Get Better and Do Bigger things than we ever have.

I love giving back and sharing my testimony with others. These kids have creativity in them at a young age. I wanted to inspire these young musicians who are the jazz artists for tomorrow.

It’s a great honor helping to shape and mold young musicians and to contribute to the future musical community here in Houston and around the world.

Mr. Thomas and Conrad Johnson have done an excellent job giving the children of Houston an outlet to play.