George Reed Jazz Scholarship OrganizationGRJSO: March 2014

Mission, History & Purpose

The George Reed Jazz Scholarship Organization (GRJSO) operates under the aegis of the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., a 501(c)(3)charitable foundation.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the George Reed Scholarship is to preserve the legacy of George Reed through live jazz and scholarships to young jazz musicians.

HISTORY & PURPOSE

George Reed Wilbourn (1922-2011) became George Reed early in his musical career when the management of the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY decided "Wilbourn" was too long for the marquee. George Reed started as a dancer, side-lining on drums. Invited to play on more and more gigs, drums won out. Many musicians have testified that they loved to play with George. He had the capacity to make them sound good. "I always sang my best," claimed vocalist Heather Moran, "when George was behind me."

It's hard to say what George did best. But, he lived his life fully for his entire 89 years as a performer, friend and family man. He never gave up, lost hope, or resigned himself to incapacity. Although frequently in pain near the end of his life, he continued to perk up the moods of those around him with his banter and wit.

George never had a lot of money. His bequest exceeds the monetary. The young musicians George tutored, nurtured, trained, mentored, and inspired are the gifts George left us, with the promise to extend jazz's future. Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Christian Li, Walter Stinson, Russ Sternglass, and many more, shared a stage ruled by the beat of an old and generous drummer who helped young kids fall in love with making jazz.

George knew that there's nothing better than being with people doing what they love, and doing it with them.

Jazz audiences, large and small, participate in the transmission of this musical form as it emerges through time. Good jazz is delicious, satisfying, nutritious, sustaining, inspiring, and altogether delightful; a true art. The synergy between and among jazz musicians and listeners creates a community of understanding and happiness, even when feelings have roots in sadness.

In honor of George Reed, our organization produces live jazz concerts performed by outstanding musicians, in the Park Church, the center of George's chosen community, Elmira, NY.

Funds raised at the concert are managed by the Community Foundation to stage future concerts and to create an endowment granting scholarships to young jazz musicians, to extend George Reed's legacy of musicianship, mentoring, and his true love of jazz into the future.

THE GEORGE REED JAZZ HERITAGE CONCERTS

Christian Li & Friends

May 20, 2012

Chad Lefkowitz-Brown & Friends

December 2, 2012

The Salt City Jazz Collective

May 19, 2013

Monday, March 17, 2014

Our new poster!