From The Desk Of Stephen Foster,
A 52-year veteran music educator; Executive Director of the Pump Up the Purple 300 Foundation;
Director Emeritus of Jazz Studies at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans; AAJC board member; and mentor for the NAACP ACT-SO Competition.
Special congratulations to these exceptionally talented music students who were awarded Bronze and Silver recognitions in the
2026 NAACP ACT-SO Competition.
It has been a true honor to serve as a mentor to these outstanding young men.
On April 29th at 6 PM, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, these four music students will also be performing with the
St. Augustine High School Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of yours truly, Stephen Foster Emeritus Jazz Band Director.
Sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Julia Battle for the trust placed in me to serve as a mentor.
Let us continue to further the pursuit of knowledge in the arts for these brilliant young minds!
Applications Are Open!
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).