About the Friends of Jazz
Founded in 1980, Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz embraces the tradition of jazz, while moving it forward to create new legacies.
We believe that the spontaneity of jazz makes this music best experienced live - and that the energy of a great performance makes this music simply irresistible. Each year, we produce the Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival, a fall/spring concert series, and co-sponsor the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival.
Our commitment to jazz education is fueled by the belief that learning jazz improvisation is beneficial for all students, whether or not they intend to pursue a career in music. The key tenets of jazz improvisation - uninhibited self-expression, negotiation of ideas within a group, and spontaneous problem-solving - are applicable to life outside jazz. Our educational programs include the Central Pennsylvania Jazz Camp, the Friends of Jazz Youth Band, and the Ron Waters Scholarship.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Joe Mulvey, president
Keith Thomas, vice president
Paul Marchetti, secretary
Rita Hicks, treasurer
Tim Warfield, Jr., artistic director
Dr. William Anderson
Dr. Paul Haidet
Mark Hunsberger
Lincoln Reiter
Mark Swartzbaugh
Staff
Andy Herring, executive director
Sheila Ross, office manager
Education
Ron Waters, youth band director
Dr. William Stowman, jazz camp director
Donors
Learn more about the individual and corporate donors who support the Friends of Jazz.
Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our EIN/Tax ID # is 23-2137529.
The official registration and financial information of Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.