Jazz—America’s music—has its roots in New Orleans, and Monday, it filled the halls of Booker T. Washington High School, connecting our students to a rich history of rhythm, harmony, and creativity. Our students from Booker T. Washington and Carver High School had the incredible opportunity to engage with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz’s National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Education Program, an event that elevated their musical journey in ways they never imagined.
As one of only eight school districts nationwide selected for this prestigious program, MPS students had the unique chance to work with internationally acclaimed artists such as saxophonist Don Braden and vocalist Lisa Henry. This event brought together talented high school musicians from across the country, allowing our students to experience a powerful blend of performance and education that extended far beyond the classroom.
“This is more than just an opportunity to perform—it’s a chance for our students to learn from some of the best in the jazz world, said Booker T. Washington Principal Dr. Courtney Giles. The Herbie Hancock Institute is helping them unlock new possibilities and encouraging them to explore their musical potential in ways they never thought possible. We are so proud of their growth and dedication.”
The program began with an awe-inspiring performance from Braden and Henry, followed by an interactive workshop where students participated in an engaging “informances” session with the Herbie Hancock Institute’s National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Sextet. Our young musicians not only had the chance to learn from the jazz greats but also performed and exchanged ideas with their peers—truly a celebration of musical unity.
MPS District Fine Arts Specialist Natalie Knight shares, “Jazz is more than just a genre—it’s the heartbeat of our nation’s musical identity. We’re thrilled to bring this rich history to life for our students. The Herbie Hancock Institute has opened doors to new opportunities for them, and it’s a reminder that music is a universal language.”
This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts and United Airlines. As the weeklong series of jazz education events continues across Alabama, our students at Booker T. Washington High School are now part of a proud tradition that stretches from the streets of New Orleans to concert halls around the world.
With the week culminating in a public performance in Tuscaloosa on February 28, this celebration of jazz will continue to inspire and uplift the next generation of musicians—one note at a time.
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