Triad Youth Jazz Society

Our History

In June of 2006, 5 local businessmen gathered at Coffee at The Summit, a local coffee shop, owned and operated by Stan Montgomery, found 2 things in common, the love of jazz music and a desire to encourage the youth of our community. These individuals were Stan Montgomery, Michael Thompson, Luther T. Falls, Jr., Mike Brunson, and Anthony Anderson. The next week, Mr. Thompson showed up with a group. A trio, made up of a cello player and an upright bass player from Hampton Academy and a pianist/saxophonist from Hairston Middle School. The evening brought a sense of excitement and anticipation. Mr. Brunson, with careful thought and consideration, came up with the vision of, “Junior Jazz & Java.”

Once realizing the need for a youth program that would preserve and enrich the history of jazz, and offer something positive to our youth, the vision soon became a working reality. This was the beginning of the Triad Youth Jazz Society. Soon, an executive board was formed.