Central PA Friends of Jazz

The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz staff and board of directors emphatically denounce racism and discrimination of any kind. Read more.

Mission

Founded in 1980, Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz embraces the tradition of jazz, while moving it forward to create new legacies.

Central PA Friends of Jazz - Lifelines from Jason Fifield on Vimeo.

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

Young Adult Task Force

Mark Hunsberger
Sara Benson
Fred Faylona
Gavin Horning
Melissa Mueller
Adam Porter
Brandon Rubinic

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.