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Since 2005, KNKX's School of Jazz has provided mentorship, learning and performance opportunities to Western Washington middle school, high school and college jazz students. A cornerstone of the station's signature community outreach program, it has directly impacted thousands of jazz students, band directors and professional musicians. School of Jazz is sponsored by BECU.

Student DJ Joe Fotheringham

Abe Beeson/KNKX

Seventeen year-old Ballard High School junior Joe Fotheringham shares his favorite jazz with Abe Beeson on Thursday, June 7 from 8-9 p.m. on KNKX's Evening Jazz.  Joe received an Honorable Mention-Trumpet Soloist at the recent Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition in New York City.

Which instrument do you play and why?
I primarily play trumpet, and have been playing for almost six years. I was drawn to it because of its apparent simplicity.  Three buttons were a lot more appealing to the multitude of keys on a saxophone. As I have gotten to know the trumpet a bit better, I have realized that it is by no means a simple instrument, but rather a beast that takes a lot of commitment to be tamed. While I do get frustrated with my horn at times, I’ve stuck with it because I love its sound and versatility (seeing as it can be used in several different musical settings).

What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece?
There are so many incredible jazz pieces to choose from, and I’ve found that my “favorite” is constantly changing based on my mood or even the season, but if I had to choose, I would have to say that "The Star Crossed Lovers (Pretty Girl)" by Duke Ellington is my all-time favorite.

Who is your jazz hero?

Lee Morgan.

Why jazz?
Because there is nothing quite like it. Jazz fosters creativity, self-expression, and individualism in a way that no other musical genre can.

JOE'S PLAYLIST FOR JUNE 7, 8-9 P.M.:

"Val's Blues" - Louis Smith (Here Comes Louis Smith)

"Fugue in C Minor" - Eric Owens/Terence Blanchard (Jazz & The Philharmonic)

"Cherokee" - Kamasi Washington w/Patrice Quinn (The Epic)

"Ponta De Areia" - Milton Nascimento (Minas)

"Don't Worry, Be Happy" - Bobby McFerrin (The Best of Bobby McFerrin)

"Sunny" - Erroll Garner (Ready...Take One)

"Deep River" - Dave Douglas (Brazen Heart)

"Tezeta" - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard w/Mild Hi Club (Sketches of Brunswick East)

"Mack the Knife" - Kenny Dorham (Quiet Kenny)

"In My Room" - Jacob Collier (In My Room)

"No. 5 With a Bullit" - I Think You're Awesome (Books)

"The Star-Crossed Lovers (Pretty Girl)" - Duke Ellington (Such Sweet Thunder)