Foundation expanding jazz education

A few rounds of golf ended up getting local schools a jazz band-worth of instruments.

The Jazz Corner's Junior Jazz Foundation made its first major donation to local student musicians in the form of $6,000 and a half dozen instruments. The cash and an upright piano, flugelhorn, saxophone and more went to the music programs at Hilton Head Preparatory School, Hilton Head Christian Academy and Hilton Head Island High School.

The money raised came through the foundation's recent fundraising, including the Jazz Corner's annual golf tournament at Callawassie Island last October.

"It really has been successful," said Bob Masteller, founder of The Jazz Corner. "It's all about introducing young people to jazz."

The Junior Jazz Foundation is the charitable arm of The Jazz Corner on Hilton Head. Masteller started the nonprofit organization last year as a means to expand jazz education on the island.

At Hilton Head High, for example, the money went toward funding students going to summer jazz band camps. The foundation also plans seminars with visiting musicians for young musicians.

In addition to the golf tournament, The Jazz Corner has been holding concerts to benefit the foundation. Future fundraisers will include Sunday jazz brunches, concerts and a tentatively scheduled jazz festival and golf tournament in late May. Masteller also plans to donate a portion of the profits from his latest album, "Jazz for All Ages," to the foundation.

Masteller said the foundation is especially in need of used instruments to give to students.

For more information about the Junior Jazz Foundation, visit www.

thejazzcorner.com or call The Jazz Corner at 843-842-8620.