Foundation Biography

Foundation organizers believe children do not always manifest their ultimate individual potential in such disciplines as the arts because of lack of exposure and disadvantaged circumstances. Yet personal development in these areas have a profoundly positive impact on the individual and the society as a whole.

Therefore, the goal of The James P. Johnson Foundation For Music And The Arts is to supplement public school classrooms and the community with performing and visual arts enrichment programs, while exploring other similar ventures to allow America's youth, and all of humanity, to share in the rich experience of the arts and culture.

We have programs that range from elementary through high school, and on into our communities. Formed as a non-profit corporation in 1995, the JPJ Foundation gives underprivileged children the opportunity to learn about the development and legacy of the American arts through educational programs, clinics & workshops on music and dance instruction, and also through special enrichment and appreciation programs. The James P. Johnson Foundation For Music and The Arts is dedicated to enriching the lives of children with music and other forms of artistic expression and appreciation. The JPJ Foundation feels that introducing children to music at a young age helps in certain development stages. It has been proven that teaching rhythm and coordination through the use of music helps young children academically as well as socially, and builds strong self-confidence. Through music and dance we teach children that there are positive choices in life, and that they can make a difference within todays society.

Our primary mission is accomplished through partnerships with public schools requesting assistance. Currently, we are beginning our sixth year of adoption of Highland Elementary School and the fifth year in a pilot adoption with a local area high school. Additionally, we have recently been contacted to provide elementary after school support services in artistic development through a local area arts association. By the year 2003, the Foundation will provide matching grant support services to reach a broader base of students.

JAMES P. JOHNSON

The JPJ Foundation is named after the late James P. Johnson, known as the father of stride piano. He composed such tunes as "The Charleston", created 55 piano rolls, more than 400 record sides, wrote over 250 popular tunes and scored 11 musicals for the stage. His piano virtuosity and classical composing influenced the development of other legends such as jazz greats Fats Waller and Duke Ellington.