With funding for the arts slashed & digital distribution decimating

With funding for the arts slashed & digital distribution decimating creators’ revenue possibilities, individual support for jazz composers/projects is needed more than ever!!  Of course, everyone has their own priorities for giving; but I thought I’d recommend a few endeavors with which I am personally involved, support financially myself, and that are not only deserving but would greatly appreciate any financial support you can offer.

International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC)www.isjac.org
I helped co-found this organization in 2015 and have been honored to serve as its President ever since.  I can’t tell you how excited I am about the mission of this organization as well as the vision the distinguished ISJAC Board has for its development.  The Jazz Composers’ Symposium – ISJAC’s signature event – has united this worldwide community of composers through gatherings in Florida, Colorado, & Texas - each bigger and better than the last!   Commissions, Prizes, Covid Relief Grants, online offerings – all offer jazz composers much needed support and encouragement.  But with your help, there is SO much more we are eager to recognize and support the role of jazz composition.  Please consider a gift to ISJAC by visiting www.ISJAC.org.  

Owen Prize & the Prize for Emerging Black Composers (through USF College of the Arts)
I initiated these endowments to recognize student/emerging talent as well as captivating new works via an annual competition.  Housed in the USF Foundation, both prizes are managed through a collaborative agreement with ISJAC that has resulted in broadening their scope to include student composers from throughout the world!  Recipients receive a significant cash prize, travel expenses to the Jazz Composers’ Symposium, a high-profile performance of the work, and guaranteed publication.  Our vision, however, is to expand the impact of these awards to ensure greater recognition of these talented young artists.  A gift here will support the future of jazz composition!!  Contact:  Bill Faucett, USF CoTA Development: bfaucett@usf.edu.  

USF Jazz Studies
Recognizing and reflecting on all of the amazing accomplishments (professional and personal) of our USF School of Music and Jazz Studies grads is one of my greatest sources of pride and joy.  After 40 years, there’s quite a lineage: solo recording artists, freelance composers and musicians, film scorers, publishing execs, recording engineers, and of course educators at every level.  While I’ve retired, Jack Wilkins and the wonderful USF Jazz Studies Faculty continue to offer aspiring young musicians incredible training and unique opportunities.  Your support of this educational mission, to which I dedicated much of my career, would mean a lot and ensure future generations of jazz musicians will continue to thrive.  To make a gift contact Bill Faucett in the USF College of the Arts Development Office: bfaucett@usf.edu