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TESTIMONIALS

"Not only has VJC enriched my life musically, but it has allowed me to create connections with amazing people that I never thought possible. At VJC, not only is your musical success cared about, but you are loved, appreciated, and accepted for who you are. I am incredibly grateful for the community that VJC has provided me with these past six years."

Melanie L.
former VJC member & VJC Alumni Band participant

"The most impactful thing I learned through VJC is how music can bring so many people together. VJC made me become more comfortable in finding my voice and sharing ideas. My advice to anyone who wants to be in VJC is just audition.”

Cody B.
former VJC member & VJC Alumni Band participant

"VJC has helped me become more comfortable and open to new experiences outside of my school environment. The structure and purpose of the program gave me was an important part in forming who I’ve become as a person. It started as an extracurricular and is a community I am still connected with today. VJC = best of vibes all around."

Joanne B.
former VJC member

“VJC helped me connect with other passionate musicians in a way that I hadn’t gotten to before. VJC helped me become more comfortable in my abilities as an improviser and jazz musician, and gave me the skills I needed to continue music in college and beyond. My advice to anyone who wants to be in VJC is to be open to trying new things. Even just auditioning can be a valuable experience.”

Allan B.
former VJC member & VJC Alumni Band participant

"Participating in VJC helped me to become an overall better musician. When I first joined, I was inexperienced in jazz guitar. But throughout the season, I was able to grow significantly, and am now a lot more confident playing my instrument."

Julia H.
former VJC member

“I remember being hesitant to audition because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I practiced hard, pushed myself to audition, and made it. From that moment, I knew I could do hard things and my growth and success sky rocketed ever since.”

Kennie S.
former VJC member & VJC Alumni Band participant

"We had both our sons (each a trumpeter) study in the VJC from 8th through 12th grade and it was by far the most educational, enlightening, and enjoyable experience they had in any music program. [VJC participation] was instrumental in both boys being selected for the Arizona All-State Jazz Ensembles a combined five times.
 
They both now share a love for jazz and are extremely skilled improvisational soloists. I highly recommend this program to any parent wishing for their young musician to excel at their instrument in the area of jazz studies and have a fun, positive experience."

Mike Gray
Parent to two former VJC members

"I cannot say enough about the incredible impact that Valley Jazz Cooperative has made in my children’s lives. The program not only fostered musical growth but also instilled discipline, teamwork, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jazz. They were given opportunities to learn from some wonderful guest clinicians and performed alongside world-class musicians. These provided invaluable lessons … and memories that will last a lifetime.
 
As a mother of two very active teens, I can tell you that the time invested and extra miles driven were absolutely worth it for the priceless experiences and knowledge my children acquired during their years with Valley Jazz Cooperative."

Karen Huttenmeyer
Parent to two former VJC members

© 2026 Valley Jazz Cooperative
The Valley Jazz Cooperative is an outreach of MSW Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization

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