Summer Interns Take the Stage

This summer, we welcomed college interns for the first time, adding fresh energy and perspectives to our camp programming. Our music educator interns became an integral part of the team, supporting instruction and serving as mentors to young musicians.  

Not only is Seattle JazzED providing unique opportunities for interns to gain valuable teaching experience, but it also reflects the intergenerational aspect of the jazz, where jazz players of an older generation would pass down tunes and stories to fledgling musicians connecting the past to present.  

Having interns alongside lead educators allowed for more personalized attention in every room. Whether they were helping students who needed a little extra support, working with small groups, or diving deep into sections of music, our interns made a difference in the classroom. Their passion and knowledge contributed greatly to the welcoming atmosphere that Seattle JazzED strives to create.  

Here’s what some of our interns had to say about their experience and the moments that made their time at Seattle JazzED memorable:  

“Watching the students in my small group come out of their shells and volunteer to solo was very gratifying. Those were the moments that made me the most proud. In general, it also feels great to see the kids get excited about music in whatever capacity.” - Summer Jazz Ambassadors Intern 

“I found the most success when I was working one on one with kids, giving advice on the music and checking in with them on how they were doing.” – Summer Second Line Project Intern  

“I really enjoyed helping the students enjoy making music! On the first day, some of our students were a little unenthused and talking about want to go home, but by the end of the week, they were happy to be there and play music!” – Summer Jazz Foundations Intern  

As we move forward into fall, we’re excited to continue this internship program. If you’re a college student interested in music education, building community, and gaining hands-on teaching experience, we’d love to have you!  

Join us in making music education accessible and transformative for our youth.  

Seattle JazzED Launches Search for Executive Director

At Seattle JazzED, we believe that any student who wants to play music should get to play. As we continue to grow and expand our impact, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our search for a visionary Executive Director. This is an exciting new chapter for our organization, and we are eager to find a leader who will guide us into the future with creativity, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to our mission.

The Executive Director at Seattle JazzED will be a pivotal figure, responsible for driving strategic initiatives that enhance our programs, build inclusive and effective staff teams, and strengthen our relationships with external stakeholders. We are seeking a leader with a proven track record of increasing organizational impact, a deep commitment to youth development and education, and experience with nonprofit governance, fundraising, and resource development. This includes the ability to engage major donors, foundations, and corporate partners, as well as fluency in leading and operationalizing racial equity initiatives.

This role is a unique opportunity for a seasoned nonprofit leader to make a lasting impact on youth through music, education, and community-building. If you or someone you know possesses these qualities and is ready to help us reach new heights, we encourage you to learn more about the position and apply.

Applications received by Thursday, October 3 will be given full consideration; early applications are strongly encouraged. By sharing this news, we hope to connect with individuals who are passionate about youth development, music education, and community engagement. Please feel free to share this opportunity within your networks and help us find the next leader who will carry Seattle JazzED into the future.

We Have Fun with Community Partners

Music has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. And we’ve been experiencing this firsthand over the last few weeks. 

JazzED Staff with the Owner of Figurehead Stone Way

On July 23rd, we partnered with Figurehead Stone Way, a local Fremont brewery, to host our very first trivia night fundraiser. Our emcees, Erin Hill and Walter Cano, brought the energy, leading a lively music-themed trivia for our guests. It was an unforgettable evening and we’re thankful to Figurehead Stone Way for providing the perfect venue for the night and for generously donating $1 from every beverage sold that day.  

On August 17th, Good on Toast graciously hosted an all-day fundraiser for us at Tim’s Tavern, featuring a marathon of live music from Seattle and Portland-based bands. The event was a beautiful reminder of how our community comes together to support music education and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to receive quality music education.   

We’re incredibly grateful to all the community members, organizations, and businesses that have shown their support for Seattle JazzED and our mission. Your involvement is helping us make a difference in the lives of students.  

We’re always looking for new ways to connect with our community, and we’d love to partner with you! Whether it’s another trivia night, organizing a fundraiser, or bringing a creative idea of your own to life, there are countless ways to get involved.  

If you, or someone you know, is interested in partnering, please reach out to us at info@seattlejazzed.org! We’re excited to collaborate and continue making music education accessible to all.