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PUMP UP THE PURPLE 300 FOUNDATION

breaking news: See the highlights and performances of the recent 2026 AAJC performance Below!

breaking news: See the highlights and performances of the recent 2026 AAJC performance Below!

breaking news: See the highlights and performances of the recent 2026 AAJC performance Below!

breaking news: See the highlights and performances of the recent 2026 AAJC performance Below!

breaking news: See the highlights and performances of the recent 2026 AAJC performance Below!

breaking news: See the highlights and performances of the recent 2026 AAJC performance Below!

Special Thanks to the New Orleans Jazz & heritage foundation

African American Jazz Caucus at the 2026 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, LA


The AAJC New Orleans All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra & Outreach Program, co-presented by the African American Jazz Caucus and the Jazz Education Network, featured jazz ensemble members from the greater New Orleans area performing compositions from the Duke Ellington Library and other Big Band repertoire under the mentorship of AAJC/JEN members who are in music education. The ensemble production was under the direction of Mr. Stephen Foster, an AAJC Board Member and renowned New Orleans bandleader, and Dr. Reginald Lewis, Director of Jazz Studies at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL, and President of the African American Jazz Caucus. 


Event Highlights

•All participants took part in a sectional rehearsal/masterclass led by esteemed jazz mentors. Young jazz musicians had the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion in a supportive, encouraging environment alongside talented musicians from other schools, celebrating the joy of music. 

•Morning rehearsals and small sectionals were spent with Renowned Mentors, giving everyone the unique opportunity to join educational and engaging masterclasses on their instrument, led by accomplished educators and jazz performers. These sessions offered valuable insights, techniques, and personalized feedback to support your students' musical growth. 

• After a rewarding and inspiring morning working with world-renowned clinicians, students, and mentors alike, the combined orchestra of participants and mentors showcased an hour-long performance at the 17th Annual Jazz Education Conference site, the New Orleans Hyatt Regency Hotel, for a capacity crowd.  


Mentors: Carl Allen, Jacques Lesure, Jayla Hernandez, Jerry Tolson, Josh Lee, Kevin Brewster, Kirby Fellis, Laura Simone, Lenor Helm Hammonds, and Sean Jones.  


Participants: Joynal Abdin Jr., Ian Barnes, Stephen Black, Cedric Clark Jr.,  Camara Dupree Jr., Jonas Espino, Lucas Espino, Corey Hatfield, Jason Jackson, Jacob Jones Jr., Alaina McClue, Micah Millon, Rehaan Jamie Rouege, Hannah Thompson, Zyan Vicknair, Kimori West, Donovan White, Noel Wilson, and Derrick Johns.   


AAJC Executive Director: Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin 

AAJC Executive Administrator: Mary Rous 

Photographer/Videographer: Darius Botley - BotleyStudios.com

 Special Thanks to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation!

Help us invest in the next generation of New Orleans Musicians

By removing financial barriers, we ensure that young musicians have the tools, confidence, and guidance to grow,  not only as artists but also as leaders, learners, and community members.


But we can’t do it alone.


With your support, we can expand access to quality instructors, reach more schools, and build opportunities for students to thrive through music.


An investment in Pump Up The Purple 300 Foundation is an investment in creativity, discipline, and inspiration for the next generation.


Together, we can make sure to give the next generation the tools, confidence, and inspiration to shine, and make sure no child is denied the transformative gift of music.


Click below to donate to the GoFundMe 

Donate Here

Applications Are Open!

Register Here
Questions / More Information

Contact Mr. Stephen Foster to sign up

Phone Contact : (504)-442-5300

Classes Began June 14, 2025

PUMP UP THE PURPLE 300 FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Pump Up the Purple 300 Foundation is to enhance and assist in the musical development of elementary, middle and high school students across the country.

We connect students with local and national music instructors who provide  music lessons at no cost to parents.

Sign up NOW

PUTP 300 FOUNDATION IN ACTION

Special Thanks to the New Orleans and Jazz Heritage Foundation

 

Mr. Wendell Stewart, expert instrument repair technician, shares insights on the proper care and maintenance of band instruments. Amongst other great lessons and tips shared in this session, the students were also able to engage in a film session exploring the art and technique of musical improvisation.

Classes initiated June 14!

Courtesy of the Jazz and Heritage Foundation

 

Members of the Pump Up The Purple 300 Foundation experience the opportunity to perform with alumni and veteran musicians - May 21 2025

African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC) New Orleans All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra

Jan, 3, 2024- Nationally acclaimed musicians and music educators from around the country representing African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC) and the Jazz Education Network (JEN) engaged music students from the Greater New Orleans area in clinics. After receiving guidance from the mentors, students showcased their new-found skills for guests. This was an exceptional experience for local students! 


The PUTP 300 Foundation partnered with the Annual Jazz Education Network (JEN ) Conference and the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) to  support this successful experience for New Orleans area high   school students. Participants reigned from St. Augustine, Sophie B. Wright, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), Sci High Academy,  L. B. Landry and Warren Easton High Schools.


The Youth Jazz Orchestra's esteemed conductors were Mr. Stephen Foster (New Orelans, LA) and Dr. A. Calhoun (Queens, NY).

Capturing Our Mission: PUMP UP THE PURPLE 300 FOUNDATION's 2024 sUMMER MUSIC CLINIC IS IN SESSION...

Mr. Stephen Foster meets with St. Augustine High School Parents to share information about The Pump Up The Purple 300 Foundation.

PUMP UP THE PURPLE 300 FOUNDATION's sATURDAY music clinic

Location and Schedule

Local and National Instructors

Location and Schedule

PUTP Saturday Music Clinic takes place every Saturday at the Desire/Florida Multi-Service Center, 3250 Industry Street, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.  For more information, call Mr. Foster at  (504) 442-5300.

Latest News

Local and National Instructors

Location and Schedule

November 2024 until now we have been blessed to have several legendary musicians to visit and present at our Saturday clinics. Special thanks to : Drummer, John Lowerz, Saxophonist Rodger Lewis, Trombonist, Christopher Butcher, and Pianist/Vocalist, Kevin Gullage.

Local and National Instructors

Local and National Instructors

Local and National Instructors

Students participate in 2 -hour in -person and 1-hr online music clinics with local and nationally renowned musicians including Col. Alphonse Davis, St. Augustine Band Captain, c/o '68 and Mr. Dwight Richards, Drum Section Leader c/o '68 and Legendary drummer from R& B Group Chocolate Milk. 

Ages Served

Ages Served

Local and National Instructors

Thirty students are organized into groups by age: Group A: 8–11-year-olds and Group B: 12–15-year-olds.

Classes

Ages Served

Sponsorship

Students engage in general music education clinics and activities, applicable to all instruments. 

Sponsorship

Ages Served

Sponsorship

PUTP is sponsoring this program at no cost to students or families. Sponsorships and donations are appreciated to support this effort.

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About Us

FOUNDER

PUTP 300 TEAM

PUTP 300 TEAM

Meet our Founder

Learn more

PUTP 300 TEAM

PUTP 300 TEAM

PUTP 300 TEAM

Meet our Development Team

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STUDENTS

INSTRUCTORS

INSTRUCTORS

Meet our Music Students

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INSTRUCTORS

INSTRUCTORS

INSTRUCTORS

Meet our  Music Instructors

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be a part of the royal purple club

We wish to acknowledge our Major Donors who contributed 1K or above:

Mr. Robino Barnes III,  Class of 1969

Mr. Dwight Fitch, Sr, Class of 1970

Col. Alphonse Davis, Class of 1968

Mr. Norman Roussell, Class of 1984

Mr. Stephen Foster
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation

Spread the Word

Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website and events with your friends, family, and colleagues and with other community leaders who want to support our mission.

support the pump up the purple 300 foundation

Make a Pledge! Mail in a check.

Make a Pledge! Mail in a check.

Make a Pledge! Mail in a check.

Fill out the pledge card and mail a check payable to "Pump Up The Purple 300 Foundation". Mail checks to PO Box 57113 New Orleans, LA 70157

putp300 Pledge card

Donate Via Cash App

Make a Pledge! Mail in a check.

Make a Pledge! Mail in a check.

$PUTP300

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mr. Stephen foster, putp ceo & Founder

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Copyright © 2023 PUMP UP THE PURPLE 300 FOUNDATION - All Rights Reserved.     pumpupthepurple@yahoo.com

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