What is The Jazz Exchange?

The Jazz Exchange is a vibrant arts community and jazz education organization committed to inspiring young musicians and building connections through the power of jazz. Founded by native and Jazz Vocalist Candice Reyes-Mireles and Jazz Saxophonist Abel Mireles, our nonprofit provides opportunities for aspiring musicians to learn, perform, and grow through our various programs such as our Academy Program, Summer Workshop,El Paso Jazz Festival, and community events Jazz Around Town Music Series. We believe that jazz is more than music—it’s a platform for creative expression, collaboration, and community building.

What is The Jazz Exchange’s Vision?

The vision of The Jazz Exchange is to be a leading platform for jazz education and performance that not only inspires and connects young musicians but also supports those who choose to pursue a musical career. We aim to provide students with opportunities to grow artistically, offering them pathways to connect with our extensive networks of professional musicians, educators, and industry leaders. Through these connections, we ensure a long-lasting impact beyond their high school years, giving them outlets to apply their musical talents both on and off stage, fostering sustainable careers in music and beyond.

What Does The Jazz Exchange Do?

Academy Program: Our year-round after-school programming for students ages 11-18 encompasses combo and big band classes designed to cultivate musical skills, teamwork, and creativity. This program not only enhances students’ musicianship but also instills essential qualities like discipline and confidence. By contributing to this initiative, donors can help provide the necessary resources for instruments, sheet music, and qualified instructors, ensuring every student has the opportunity to excel in a supportive environment. We are particularly committed to empowering and encouraging young women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated genre, fostering diversity, awareness, and equity within the jazz culture and industry.

Summer Workshop: This immersive two-week program attracts students from various school districts and backgrounds in El Paso and Juarez, providing them with unparalleled access to high-quality music education. By bringing in special guest faculty from New York, alongside our dedicated local instructors, students receive mentorship from some of the best in the field. Donors can help fund scholarships for students who may need financial assistance, ensuring that the workshop remains accessible to all aspiring musicians, regardless of their economic circumstances.

El Paso Jazz Festival: The Jazz Exchange is proud to revive a jazz festival in El Paso after a 15-year hiatus, making it a landmark event for the community. Featuring student performers, local artists, special guest musicians from out of town, and international acts, the festival not only showcases talent but also fosters community engagement and cultural exchange. Donor contributions will help cover costs associated with production, artist fees, and promotional efforts, allowing us to create a high-quality, memorable event that brings the community together in celebration of jazz.

Jazz Around Town Music Series: Our partnerships with locally owned venues like The Garrison and Mountain Star Brewing Co. allow us to host live jazz on a weekly and monthly basis. These performances provide a platform for both local and visiting artists, helping to expose families and the community to jazz culture while creating a welcoming space for aspiring musicians to watch and learn from their mentors. Supporters can contribute by sponsoring specific events, helping cover venue costs, and providing opportunities for young musicians to participate in jam sessions, fostering an inclusive and vibrant jazz community.

By investing in these programs, donors and supporters play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians and enriching the cultural fabric of El Paso and Juarez. Your contributions directly impact students’ lives and the community, ensuring that jazz continues to thrive for years to come.

Why Support Jazz?

Supporting jazz means investing in the only true American art form that has gained respect and admiration worldwide. Rooted in a rich history of cultural exchange and innovation, jazz embodies the spirit of freedom, creativity, and improvisation. It is a genre that not only reflects the diverse influences of its origins—melding African rhythms, European harmonies, and American folk music—but also continues to evolve and inspire musicians across the globe. By championing jazz, you help preserve this unique musical legacy, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of our cultural tapestry. Jazz serves as a universal language that transcends borders, connecting people from all walks of life through its powerful rhythms and expressive melodies. Your support enables us to provide education and performance opportunities that cultivate the next generation of jazz musicians, allowing them to carry forward this rich tradition. By investing in jazz, you contribute to a global movement that celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and the profound impact of music on our lives. Together, we can ensure that this American art form continues to resonate and inspire future generations, both here at home and around the world.

Where Does Your Donation Go?

Your donation to The Jazz Exchange goes directly back into the community, supporting programs that empower young musicians and enrich local culture. Contributions fund student scholarships, making music education accessible to all, and enhance educational programs through workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship. Donations also support performance opportunities, giving students valuable experience on stage, and contribute to career development by connecting them with professionals and job outlets. Additionally, your support helps expand community outreach, bringing jazz education and performances to underserved areas. Every donation helps build a stronger, more connected community through music.

Thank you for making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth in El Paso and Juarez by providing them access to the arts! Your generous contribution not only enriches their creative journeys but also fosters a vibrant, connected community. We are truly grateful for your support in nurturing the next generation of artists.