Winter 2024

A Message of Gratitude

We’re thrilled to announce a $4.54 million renovation project to transform our historic 736 S. Broad Street facility. Thanks to a generous $2 million lead gift from the William Penn Foundation, we are 67% of the way to our goal! These updates will enhance our music education programs, performance spaces, and overall visitor experience. We still need your support to reach the finish line! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

PNC Arts Alive "Jazz Cultural Voices" Concert Series

We are proud recipients of PNC Arts Alive- A multi-million dollar initiative through the PNC Foundation designed to support the visual and performing arts.

PNC Arts Alive programming demonstrates that there is an artistic outlet for everyone — including all ages, cultural traditions, economic backgrounds and neighborhoods. Pop-up performances, mobile arts vans and the use of unique, local venues are among the many initiatives supported through PNC Arts Alive and we're excited to continue helping invigorate local arts organizations in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey, while bringing new and exciting programs to our communities.

Join The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble as they open the Holiday season and relive beloved Motown tunes such as “Get Ready,” “Can’t Help Myself,” “Tracks of My Tears,” and more favorites that make us dance, laugh, and enjoy life to the fullest.   

MUSIC EDUCATION

2024 Monette Sudler Scholarship Recipient: Jahnelle Bey- Douglas

PCC teaching artists have recommended Jahnelle for a Berklee College of Music, Berklee City Music Network scholarship to attend Berklee’s Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive in Boston. Every year PCC must raise $7,500 to support expenses for the scholarship students in this program. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to support students for the next three years.

The PCC's Music Education Program is commonly regarded as its most notable program offering, given its impact on students through exposure to working musicians and teachers and the strong track record of success for PCC graduates in higher education institutions post-Philadelphia Clef Club training.

Learning through music education connects (elementary, middle, and high school) with a world of ideas and aspirations for life, higher education, and careers. The program is designed to open the creative potential of the participants while teaching students our philosophical values in a safe and encouraging environment.

As 2024 plays out, we begin to move to the rhythms of 2025...

2024 was an exciting year at The Philadelphia Clef Club and it’s hard to believe that even almost 60 years in, we are just getting started!

As announced above, thanks to the generous $2 million lead gift from the William Penn Foundation, our Capital Campaign to renovate our landmark South Broad Street headquarters has been put into full gear. This ambitious project, designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and students, aims to elevate performance events and educational programming.

With a total budget of $4.54 million, the renovation will create new program rooms and spaces, rearrange existing ones, improve interior circulation, and introduce new lighting, colors, materials, and finishes. The building’s exterior will also transform significantly to better reflect its vibrant cultural mission.

We are also extremely grateful to the Presser Foundation for their contribution towards our lighting system upgrade which not only creates a visually appealing ambiance but also lowers our energy usage by allowing customization and control through state-of-the-art technology including a front of house video and recording desk.

The Music Education Program held its Spring and Year-End Recitals on March 23rd and June 22nd respectively. The students were able to show off the many skills and techniques learned throughout the entire year on the big stage for friends and family. We also hosted sessions at our two-week intensive Summer Jazz Camp. Our dedicated faculty is endlessly committed to preparing the next generation of musicians and vocalists. Over the years, we’ve educated thousands of students and our alums have gone on to attend renowned institutions like Berklee College of Music, The Juilliard School, Temple University, and Oberlin College. Others have traveled the nation performing alongside some of the most accomplished musicians in the industry.

The Clef Club hosted an incredible array of live concerts throughout the year in collaboration with the PNC Arts Alive. We have a phenomenal slate of programming for 2025 that you do not want to miss! 

On behalf of the entire Philadelphia Clef Club, I wish you a very happy Holiday Season and a joyous, invigorating 2025.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Oscar Payne

Managing Director

US HOUSE & SENATE MEMBERS VISIT CLEF CLUB

The Philadelphia delegation of the US Senate and House of Representatives visited The Clef Club on October 16 as part of their tour of the Avenue of the Arts ahead of the City’s proposed $100 million plan to beautify the South corridor of Broad Street beginning in 2025. Along with the Clef renovation, this pedestrian-focused initiative will bring extensive greenery, seating, and art installation spaces to the area.

Membership at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts provides access to a vibrant community of jazz enthusiasts, musicians, educators, and industry professionals. Connect and network with like-minded individuals who share a common passion for jazz. 

For more information contact

Membership Services and Rewards

info@clefclubofjazz.org

215-893-9916