About Us
Our Mission
The Washington Jazz Arts Institute (WJAI) was founded in 1998 by Davey Yarborough and his wife Esther Williams to further his dream of teaching music in a nurturing, mentoring atmosphere. A natural outgrowth of Davey’s success at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in DC, this dream was born of a desire to inspire young people into careers in music.
Our mission and commitment is to the education, presentation and documentation of Jazz Music in and for the Washington, DC community. The Institute is devoted to the preservation of the past, the promotion of the present and preparation for the future of Jazz in DC. The Institute will work to firmly fix through oral and written history the contribution of Jazz music to the cultural and social development of Washington, DC, and the contribution of Washington musicians to the creation of this uniquely American music form. The Institute has developed a city-wide musical outreach and education program in support of a Jazz orchestra which will expand opportunities for the appreciation of live Jazz in the area and enhance the training and performance opportunities for young musicians.
The WJAI nurtures young musicians by supporting their efforts to create music and to enter into music related careers. Our outreach includes receiving donated instruments and putting them into the hands of aspiring musicians who need them.
Our Founders
Husband and wife team Davey Yarborough and Esther Williams share a passion for and commitment to music and art in the Washington, DC and metropolitan community. That passion led to the development of what is known today as the Washington Jazz Arts Institute.Together, Davey and Esther have created a model for teaching young musicians to excel in an exciting and stimulating environment.
Artistic Director, Davey Yarborough is also the Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C. A highly regarded professional musician and composer, Davey employs the professional services and seeks volunteers from among the cream of musicians, educators and historians with local and national reputations to provide the services which support the activities of the Institute.
How To Support
As a young non-profit organization, we struggle constantly to acquire funding and resources. We hope that you find our efforts worthwhile and are willing to share in and support our dreams. As a 501c(3), non-profit organization, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
With your support the WJAI can fulfill its mission. Join the WJAI in its commitment to provide quality artistic programs throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.
If you would like to support The WJAI, you can make a donation using your Visa or MasterCard credit card. Click on the “Donate” button below to be transferred to Paypal secured site where your donations will be processed.