History


          Jazz is the American World Music Genre, and many jazz legends, including Art Blakey, Billy Eckstein, Billy Strayhorn, Errol Garner, and Lena Horne, had their beginnings in Pittsburgh.  In the mid-1960's the Local Musicians Unions #471 located in the East Liberty region of Pittsburgh PA, had provided a facility for professional musicians to develop the musical potential of young African American students within the greater Pittsburgh community.  
          Forced to integrate with Local #60, located downtown Pittsburgh, the East Liberty facility would no longer be able to serve the need of those students.  Realizing the long-term affect this would have on Black students, after the integration, the Black Musicians Union (BMOP) was formed what is commonly known today as the Jazz Workshop, Inc.  
          Founded by jazz musician, Harold Young, in 1973 the Jazz Workshop, Inc., was established with a significant mission in mind: to "keep jazz alive" during a period when schools were lacking in what he viewed as "authentic" music education programs for inner city children.  He approached Pittsburgh's Carnegie Library, requesting the use of space at its Homewood site, with the idea of using their space, where rooms are suitable for classes and the auditorium could serve as a performance space.  
          He encouraged local African American musicians, of notoriety to join him in teaching jazz to all American youngsters.  As the children mastered their talents, they gained a sense of pride in acquiring a skill, originated through the American diaspora that had become so deeply rooted in the American tradition of greatness.  First there were eight children who came to library each Saturday, now there are hundreds. 

          Through the years, the Jazz Workshop Inc., under the directorship of 
Mr. Harold Wallace Young, has become an award winning music arts organization, and received various Society, State, and Municipal citations, recognition, and proclamation awards, such as: African American Jazz Preservation Society, Federal Executive Board, Keepers of the Flame award from the Legacy Arts Project, Proclamation from the Wilkinsburg Borough Council, House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
and many others...
 
          Housed at the Carnegie Library over 40 years, with a satellite site in Wilkinsburg, PA, the Jazz Workshop Inc. continues to grow in student population and diversity. The young and mature enjoy the personal satisfaction of learning a new skill and mastering an art form within the proud history of the American World Music genre ~ Jazz, where lessons are moderately priced. 
Accomplishments
Though Harold Young accepts no kudos, he deserves them all for making the Jazz Workshop a project that can be replicated in any market.  A partial list of his and the Jazz Workshop's credits follows:
Mr. Young directed the Jazz Workshop Big Band in a performance of  Billy Strayhorn's compositions "newly discovered" works during a Mellon Jazz Festival event that headlined noted jazz saxophonist, Joe Henderson.
 
Mr. Young spent several weeks in Sao Paulo and Salvador da Bahia, Brazil to get first hand rhythms from this country.
 
Mr. Young  was the producer of  Philip Russell gospel group CD,
' It's Time to Get Serious.'
 
 Mr. Young secured funds and established the Jazz Workshop satellite location in Wilkinsburg as well as outreach programming to service Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

There are no boundaries to what the Jazz Workshop, Inc. can fulfill.  With his genuine concern for people, particularly children, and "love for the music," Harold Young visions the  power of the inner spirit, promotes oneness through music, and, in the process, strikes a resounding universal chord whose melody is haunting.
Jazz Workshop Inc. performing 
"A Tribute to the Music of Billy Strayhorn" 
opening for 
Joe Henderson 
at the Pittsburgh Carnegie Library (Homewood Branch 1994)
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Executive Director

Dr. Jacqueline L. Young

Received B.A. in

Sociology / Psychology from University of Pittsburgh,

MSW from Barry University,

PhD From Capella University

Social Worker

Counselor

Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

Saxophonist

Poet

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Board of Directors 

Chairman


Aubrey Bruce

"Rev. Dr. Aubrey Bruce currently thrives as a renowned sports columnist, with a track record of remarkable success. His journey commenced in 1979 as a freelance writer with the esteemed New Pittsburgh Courier. He has served as a correspondent for the publication, covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pirates as well as multiple NFL Super Bowls, NFL Pro Bowls, and MLB All-Star games and playoffs. In 1975, he founded Vision Agency and SeaStorm Sports & Entertainment Group. Beyond his illustrious writing career, Dr. Bruce has also made an indelible mark as a musician, promoter, and producer. He boasts an impressive roster of collaborations with nationally acclaimed artists, including the likes of Diane Reeves, Roy Ayers, War, Pieces of a Dream, Stanley Clark, and many others. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Dr. Bruce is the Founder and CEO of Urban Pulse Network, and has made significant contributions as a preacher and educator, imparting knowledge of black history across the United States."

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Secretary

Walter Fortson

Retired Educator

Studied at Penn State University

Worked at Fortson Publishing, with 5 books on Goodreads.

(Author of “Help Your Children Make Millions”)

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Treasurer

Jonathan Griffin

Received Bachelor of Science

from California University of

Pennsylvania majoring in

Computer Science.

Works as an Application Analyst at PNC Bank

Analyst at TEKsystems

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Member

Frank Greenlee

Retired Community Educator

Studied Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh

Former Radio announcer at WAMO FM 106/WYJZ AM 860 Radio

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Advisory Board Member

John Young PhD

Retired Educator

History and Education Major at Lincoln University

PhD from University of Pittsburgh

Former Vice Principal of Perry

HS. Principal of Greenway Middle School, Schenley High School,

Associate Dean California State University of Pennsylvania

Deputy Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools

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