Needs
In 2024, we are re-launching our Jazz in Schools Project. In partnership with local school districts, the SacJEF will provide curricula, materials and coaches to band directors in regional elementary, middle, and high schools. Funds are needed to pay clinicians and develop curricula.
Our online Lesson Bank is targeted to help students, teachers, and parents overcome the difficulties of distance learning. A series of FREE online video lessons are available covering multiple aspects of music theory and improvisation. These videos cost money to produce and edit, as well as to market and reach out to students and teachers.
The Teagarden Jazz Camp has been held every year since 1986 (except for 2020 and 2021). Approximately 30% of the students who attend do so on a full or partial scholarship. Donations to fund these scholarships help greatly! We encourage folks to Sponsor a Kid to Jazz Camp!
Our Instrument Match program relies on donated musical instruments, which we have checked and refurbished as needed before matching them with students who cannot afford to purchase their own. Many students who start an instrument in 5th or 6th grade head off to middle school and find there aren't enough instruments to go around. We aim to solve that problem! Donations of instruments or money are welcome!
Since most of our income derives from earnings on carefully invested donations and endowment funds, we rely heavily on unrestricted donations to keep all of our programs going, and to develop new ones. Currently in the planning stage is our early education program, which will be aimed at preschool and early elementary students. Allowing donations to be used for "the area of greatest need" allows us to continue to grow our mission.