Winter 2024

A Message of Gratitude

Our music education program offer children and teens enriching experiences and access to quality instruction. And thanks to the William Penn Foundation, we were able to kick off our 2023-24 Music in Our Schools Program and music can once again be heard in the hallways at four Philadelphia schools. At the High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), we are bringing master classes and performances led by world-renowned musicians including bassist, composer and band leader Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Our guest artists are also providing music appreciation to Universal Institute Charter School in South Philadelphia for 35 weeks, artist residencies and performances to Esperanza Academy Charter School in North Philadelphia and Global Leadership Academy in West Philadelphia.

Master Class at The High School for Creative and Performing Arts

For over forty years, our artistic director, Lovett Hines has attracted high-level, accomplished musicians to join PCC as faculty. Our teachers share the power of music to ignite young minds to explore their passion and develop their skills.

Our esteemed faculty includes:

Larry Price, saxophonist, composer and recording artist has toured the world and performed with Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, Stanley Turrentine and more. He also leads the Larry Price Quintet.

Bobby Zankel, saxophonist, composer and recording artist leads the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Big Band and recently released a new recording, A Change of Destiny.

Sherry Wilson Butler, vocalist and recording artist is known for her years as a singer with Teddy Pendergrass. She has also performed with Patti LaBelle, Billy Paul and others.

Nazir Ebo, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, has played around the world with Joshua Redman, Kenneth Whalum and more. He is also a graduate of PCC music education program which he began at age nine.

David Fishkin, saxophonist and clarinetist and member of the West Philadelphia Orchestra has taught at schools across Philadelphia.

Henri McMillian, trumpeter, leads the Urban Guerilla Orchestra and has toured the world.

Alan Nelson, drummer and recording artist has played with bassist Cecil McBee and is a long time band member of Lines of Reason.

Lucky Thompson, drummer, has toured the world with Nina Simone, Sonny Stitt and countless others.

Cedric Napoleon, bassist, is a founding member of Pieces of a Dream and toured extensively with Grover Washington, Jr.

James Santangelo, pianist and recording artist

Stefan Kauriga,multi-instrumentalist

The MUSIC CONTINUES IN PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS!

UPCOMING EVENTS

PCC JAZZ CULTURAL VOICES CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS

Anthony Walker began his piano training in his native St. Paul, Minnesota, at age five, making his public debut at age ten. He received his M.Mus degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Temple University where he studied with the late Natalie Hinderas. His musical background in classical, gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues has established Anthony in high demand as a solo artist, session musician, teacher and producer.  His sophisticated style is comparable to jazz icons Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, Bobby Lyle, and George Duke. Read More



Called a ”classic double threat” by NPR, Camille Thurman is equally adept on tenor saxophone, flute, and vocals. The New York City native has distinguished herself as a potent player as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra from 2018-2020. Her own albums as a leader — Origins (2013), Spirit Child (2014), Inside the Moment (2017) and Waiting for the Sunrise (2019), a collection of standards and original compositions— showcased her chops as both an incredibly dynamic singer and instrumentalist. A respected leading musician, she has appeared at notable venues and festivals around the world, including The Kennedy Center, Rose Theater, Winter Jazz Fest, and on The Colbert Show. Read More

STUDENT FEATURE

Our PCC Students are making headlines!

PCC Student Nate Barlow performed at The City Winery for the Mister Mann Frisby Youth Performer Showcase



PCC Students Performed at the Marian Anderson Young Artist Program. L to R: Karim Jones, Andre Harris, Justin Griggs and Andrew Harris.

WRTI Radio put the spotlight on PCC student

Spencer Ellington Chambers

IT JUST KEEPS GOING

The National Jazz Festival Diplomats @ PCC

On Friday, February 9, 2024, as part of Black History Month celebration, PCC hosted a welcome event for The National Jazz Festival NJF staff and the NJF Diplomats, comprised of a select group of 21 exceptionally talented students from Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, NJ, Texas, New York, and California.

Our teaching artist and faculty member, saxophonist Larry Price led a rehearsal clinic and discussed the legacy of jazz in Philadelphia.

See our photo gallery

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We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania RACP Program, City of Philadelphia, The Presser Foundation, William B. Dietrich Foundation, The McLean Contributionship, and to all of our patrons for helping us towards our goal of $1.4M... but we’re not there yet. Please join our campaign today and help us grow PCC so we can continue to inspire future generations and foster collaboration among jazz musicians, educators, and audiences.