The Mission
The Valley Jazz Cooperative provides an opportunity for students to explore their gifts, find their passion, and build community through excellence in jazz education and performance.
SUPPORT THE VJC
Do you know a student musician who would benefit from joining the Valley Jazz Cooperative? Let us know by filling out this quick recruitment form:
Are you an instrumentalist in the 8th grade or in high school? Applications are now open. Apply today to audition!
Would you like to financially support the MSW Valley Jazz Cooperative and help keep jazz education free for Valley students? Donate today!
Would you like to join the Ravenscroft Patron Membership Program and become a vital partner in our mission to inspire through Christian values and the fine arts?
About the VJC
The Valley Jazz Cooperative is a music education initiative of Music Serving the Word, offered free of charge to committed, passionate music students in grades 8–12 from across the Phoenix area. Founded in 2016 as the East Valley Jazz Cooperative in partnership with Mesa Community College, the VJC combines a jazz ensemble program with instruction in improvisation, theory, and jazz history — delivered by professional-level educators and nationally recognized guest artists.
The Ensembles
The VJC meets at two locations: the Ravenscroft in Scottsdale and Mesa Community College. Students are placed into one of three ensembles following a successful placement audition.
Our big bands follow a traditional model — saxes, trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums (vibraphone optional) — while Cerulean typically takes the shape of a jazz quintet to septet. Repertoire spans the masters, from Duke Ellington and Thad Jones to Maria Schneider, alongside new works from VJC Publications. Every ensemble also offers "the VJC Hang," an optional extra 30 minutes each week devoted to jazz improvisation, theory, and history.
Program Impact
Each ensemble performs three times a season, including concerts in Ravenscroft Hall and collaborations with nationally prominent featured guest artists. Through rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences, students grow as musicians and improvisers, learn from mentors who love what they do, and build lasting friendships with young players who share their passion for jazz.
Beyond the Bandstand
The VJC's impact continues well after the final concert of the season:
- VJC Scholarship — Three awards each year of $1,000, renewable annually for up to four years ($4,000 total), for graduating seniors who have been positive, contributing VJC members. Applications are due April 1.
- VJC Alumni Band — Launched in 2022, the Alumni Band reunites former members each summer, with rehearsals from late May through June and a concert near the end of June. Special "Alumni Band+" events pair select alums with professional Arizona jazz musicians, and our alumni sextet, VJC Azure, debuted in January 2026.
- VJC Publications — Flexible big band charts written for real-world ensembles. 100% of every purchase supports VJC educational programs.
- Q&T Podcast & YouTube — Conversations with leading artist-teachers and creatives, plus free educational video content.
Join in!
Are you a student between grades 8-12 and would like to join the Valley Gospel Project? Click the button below to apply now.
Valley gospel project leadership
John Dawson Director, Valley Jazz Cooperative & MSW-Education; Director of the Indigo & Cerulean Ensembles [Bio needed — the current VJC site lists "Bio coming soon." Suggested length: 100–150 words, matching Hansley Mussotte's bio.]
Paul Brewer Director of the Sapphire Ensemble (VJC @ MCC) A Phoenix native, saxophonist Paul Brewer has performed with the Temptations, the Four Tops, and the Phoenix Symphony. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Northern Arizona University and a Master's in Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz Studies from Arizona State University. Paul has taught at several high schools and community colleges and currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Mesa Community College.
rehearsal & performance schedule
The Valley Jazz Cooperative is offered freely to students in grades 8–12 throughout their academic school years.
- Auditions: November 2026 [confirm dates]
- 2026–27 Season: Mid-December 2026 through early May 2027 (VJC Sapphire begins in January) [confirm exact start/end dates]
- Rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Ravenscroft; Saturday mornings at Mesa Community College
- Coming up: VJC Alumni Band+ Christmas Concert — December 19, 2026, at the Ravenscroft