Garfield Jazz Foundation Programs
The Jazz program is part of the nationally known Fine Arts department at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington. This program is committed to maintaining the vibrant, unique American art form that is jazz. This philosophy is shared by several middle schools in the Seattle area, such as Washington and Eckstein Middle schools, which act as "feeder" schools. Musicians of all level are given the opportunity to learn, play, perform and compete at local venues and festivals around the country. This year's schedule amply demonstrates this. Every second year, Jazz Ensemble I has the opportunity to tour Europe. In 2007, this tour started at the Montreux Jazz Festival and culminated at the Umbria Jazz Festival and again visited Europe on tour in 2009.
The results speak for themselves. Graduates of the Garfield High School program have gone on to study at leading music schools, such as the Berklee College of Music, The New England Conservatory of Music, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Cornish College of the Arts.
If you love jazz - and the idea that it is alive and well at the high-school level - no better way to keep that tradition moving forward than to write us a check! Your contribution will help ensure that the Garfield Jazz Program never stops "taking care of business".
GJF is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation committed to excellence in jazz at Garfield High School. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Touring is expensive, but no student is turned away from the program by financial constraints. Parents of students contribute what they can to their child's expenses. The Garfield Jazz Foundation also contributes, and provides a scholarship program to ensure that all motivated students are able to participate fully in the performance schedule.