From the beginning of UNESCO’s creation of International Jazz Day, William “Doc” Jones has partnered with Herbie Hancock and UNESCO to unite the State of Arizona around International Jazz Day on April 30. Through this long-standing partnership, Arizona has achieved unprecedented statewide recognition for jazz and arts education, including: This collaboration has positioned Arizona as…

Who is this program for? This program is for music teachers affected by school closures, reduced programs, or funding cuts, especially those who want to continue working with their students outside the traditional school day. Do I have to be a jazz teacher to participate? No. While our foundation is rooted in jazz, we support…

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival is more than a celebration of music—it is a funding engine for music education. Produced by the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation, the festival generates resources that are reinvested directly to support music teachers and student programs, especially in communities affected by school closures and budget cuts. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, and…

For more than 40 years, William “Doc” Jones has been a professional jazz musician, music educator, and community leader dedicated to using music as a tool for education, empowerment, and unity. A Chicago native who relocated to Arizona in 1986, Doc Jones has spent his career performing, teaching, and building programs that expand access to…