In March 2018, the Preservation Hall Foundation and Ben Jaffe announced the launch of the Sousafund, a program established after Jaffe received an overwhelming amount of support relocating his stolen, iconic Pres Hall sousaphone.

The Sousafund was created to provide at-risk students in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes access to basses and tubas to use in school music programs. Now, the Foundation has announced that four students were selected as recipients of the Sousafund’s gifts.

The students selected include: Kerry Lewis, Jr., Upright Bass, Xavier University New Orleans; Perryion Landry, Sousaphone, St. Katherine Drexel Prep; Darryl Mutin, Sousaphone, The Net Charter High School: Central City; Darnell Lewis, Sousaphone, Edna Carr High School.

“At a certain point in a young student’s life, the difference between pursuing a career in music can be access to an instrument,” said Ben Jaffe.  “We have a responsibility to not only mentor and encourage, but to actually put a physical instrument in the hands of the next generation.”

“Preservation Hall Foundation is committed to music education in New Orleans,” said Ashley Shabankareh, director of programs at the Preservation Hall Foundation. “We are excited to provide the gift of music to 4 talented students here in New Orleans, growing with them in their musical careers.”

Congratulations Kerry, Perryion, Darryl and Darnell!