The Bernie Jacobs Quartet from EarShot Jazz in Seattle presented two master classes and an assembly to students at Lopez School on Friday, Feb. 29.

Students were introduced to the jazz sound, scat singing and had opportunities to jam with the renowned quartet. The in-school presentations and clinics were sponsored by LiveMusicOnLopez.com which is the parent organization of the Lopez Schools Music Advocacy Foundation (LSMAF).

The purpose of LSMAF is to enhance the existing K-12 Music Program at Lopez Schools by providing long term financial assistance to the school music program within its normal academic and extracurricular activities.

The foundation will sponsor several music performance events each year to be used as fundraisers solely for financial contributions to the school music enhancement project. The community center and school would be the primary venues, although “I am considering several other venues on the island,” said founder Dean Jacobsen.

Professional musicians will be solicited to perform for that purpose, and to work directly within the schools normal academic environment. “I hope to use their enthusiasm and professionalism to help expose students to the benefits of a structured long term skills development program able to individualize the plan,” said Jacobsen.

Upcoming events are in-school presentations and clinics with Clarence Acox Qunintet of the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra Education Program on Friday, March 28 to be followed by a New Orleans-style dinner and show at The Galley to benefit LSMAF. Later this summer LSMAF and the Lopez Island Family Resource Center will sponsor a music camp July 14 to 18.

For more information go to livemusiconlopez.com