The Preservation Hall Foundation, an organization preserving New Orleans music heritage, has announced that applications for the 2019 Sousafund are now open.

Launched in 2018, the Sousafund is a grant program that provides music students with basses and tubs for use in school music programs. It was launched after Ben Jaffe, whose parents Allan and Sandra Jaffe founded Preservation Hall, has his beloved sousaphone stolen. Eventually, the horn found its way home, but Jaffe launched the Sousafund after being inspired by the outpouring of support he received in the search for his instrument.

“When my sousaphone went missing following a show last March, there was a tremendous outpouring of concern and support. We started the Sousafund as a positive response,” said Jaffe. “I’m gratified to know the support is enduring and the fund will continue into a second year of instrument grants.” 

Any student in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes can apply for the Sousafund. In 2018, Xavier University sutdent Kerry Lewis, Jr.; The Net Charter High School: Central City student Darryl Mutin; St. Katherine Drexel Prep sutdent Perryion Landry; and Edna Karr High School student Darnell Lewis received instruments through the Preservation Hall Foundation program.

“I am proud that Preservation Hall Foundation is playing a part in providing more equity in music education in New Orleans by providing students the access to instruments that are otherwise very costly,” said Ashley Shabankareh, Foundation Director of Programs. “We look forward to providing more instruments to students this fall.” 

The application is available here, and remains open through August 30, 2019.