Jazz Ensemble drum set on the left and two electric bass players using their new guitar amps.
Jon Sims Endowment Fund was proud to award a $3,000 grant to the Minnesota Freedom Band in January 2025. These funds were used to help the Jazz Band purchase their own bass and guitar amplifiers, plus a full drum set, complete with accessories. Before this grant was approved, the Jazz Band had to rely on borrowed equipment from various sources. The uncertainty involved with this made it difficult for the Minnesota Freedom Band to commit to several gigs.
From the VP of the Minnesota Freedom Band, John Hering.
“The Minnesota Freedom Jazz band has been borrowing guitar amps and a drum set for years. That made it difficult to be sure we would have the equipment we needed when we went for gigs. The new equipment is a wonderful addition and we have already made great use of them.
The Minnesota Freedom band is currently undergoing an expansion project. We have a concert band, jazz band, and a marching band. We will be adding small woodwind and brass groups and a jazz combo. The new drum set and guitar amps funded by the Jon Sims Endowment Fund will be very useful for our Jazz ensemble.”
