Washington County nonprofit brings love of jazz to community
Washington County and surrounding areas have a rich history in jazz – something the nonprofit Washington Jazz Society hopes to preserve and pass on.
Founded in 2007 by Ken Baker, father of jazz musician Dan Baker, the organization has established several ways to further that mission.
The nonprofit awards scholarships to college-bound students from Washington County who are interested in pursuing careers in music. It also helps young people get started on their musical journey with lessons, regardless of whether their family is able to afford them.
“Those on the free or reduced lunch are eligible for private lessons and the use of an instrument we loan them. If they stay in the program for a year or two, the instrument is then gifted to them,” said Bob Stark, a board member of the Washington Jazz Society.
The nonprofit partners with music teachers across the county. The teacher bills the Jazz Society, and the student receives free lessons.
So far, Stark said, they’ve supported about 30 students in the program.
Learning to play an instrument is more than figuring out which string to pluck or key to press, said Scott Hanley, who sits on the society’s board.
“You use different parts of your brain while learning to play, and it really stimulates activity and focus,” he said.
Hanley, who is also the general manager of Pittsburgh’s jazz station WZUM, said music also has a lifelong impact.
“The creative process means you’re evolving and changing, and what music gives you is encouraging and continues throughout life,” he said.
Another major part of the Washington Jazz Society’s mission is to highlight local artists and expose members of the community to jazz music.
The society previously held weekly concerts. While they were well-received, they were also costly to host. In recent years, the organization has offered occasional performances, with members considering how to hold more.
“We typically offer a meal with the performance and make an evening out of it. It’s a very attentive audience which is good for the musicians and good for the audience members,” said Hanley.
Washington jazz guitarist Dan Baker has been one of the featured performers, as has Washington County Judge John DiSalle, who plays the saxophone.
For those who’ve never been to a jazz concert, Stark and Hanley agreed that it’s time to go.
“Regardless of any background, jazz can bring people together in a very unique way,” Hanley said.
The Washington Jazz Society is supported by annual membership dues, corporate sponsors and individual donations. Visit https://www.washingtonjazzsociety.com for more information.
They also accept donated instruments. The nonprofit will refurbish them and use them for the youth music lessons.