FAME Jazz Band Program Overview

With the support and expertise from several national and local educators and musicians and the Prince George’s County Government, the FAME JAZZ BAND PROGRAM was established in 2015 by A. Toni Lewis, Founder and Executive Director of FAME – Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc. The FAME Jazz Band Program is a community-based year-round program that improves students’ musicianship and appreciation for Jazz and provides opportunities for students to showcase their talents, increase their academic skills, and learn the discipline for college and career success.

The FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP), a signature FAME program, is a community-based year-round program that improves students’ musicianship and appreciation for Jazz and provides opportunities for students to showcase their talents, increase their academic skills, and learn the discipline for college and career success. This program includes the FAME Jazz Band, FAME Jazz Ensemble, and Youth Musicians in Training—a new component designed to build musical skills among less experienced young musicians.

The current Artistic Director is a renowned music educator and performer, Dr. Clarence E. Knight, Jr., and the Associate Artistic Director is educator and musician, Alphonso Jiles, ED. S. The Band’s Coordinator is musician Rudy Spruill.

The Founding FAME Jazz Band Artistic Director was Nat Adderley, Jr., scion of the famed jazz family and international jazz pianist best known for his award-winning work as musical director, composer, and arranger for music icon Luther Vandross from 1981 until Vandross’ death in 2003.

2019 FJBP graduates: 100% will attend college in the Fall; 60% received full college scholarships, 20% received partial college scholarships, the average GPA is 3.8, the total Scholarships offered is $1.8M.

The FAME Jazz Band released its first CD on July 19, 2019.  Click here to sample.

Please see Application Process document for application submission and audition details by Clicking here.