Jazz Night School lost our dear friend, fellow musician, and board member Bill Berry, March 31st, 2023 after a short illness.

Bill made so many contributions to Jazz Night School – as an accomplished bassist in his ensembles; as Jazz Night School board vice president; as a trusted leadership advisor; and as a calm, smiling friend. Bill had also drawn on his decades of experience in finance and investment banking to provide Jazz Night School with crucial guidance on our Permanent Home Project.

Jazz wasn’t just a hobby for Bill; it was more like a religion. His personal blog – www.postbop.com – and podcast – JazzChurch – live on. “Bill left an imprint of joy and celebration everywhere that he went. I believe that he felt most alive when playing and sharing music,” one of his many friends offered. “I’m so grateful that he found Jazz Night School. He spoke often of how much it meant to him to connect with the community.” 

Bill, we thank you for everything you gave to all of us, including this piece of advice: “Go to that jam session, because you never know when the next opportunity to play music with others will come around again.” Bill’s final performance with Jazz Night School was March 18th, 2023 at The Royal Room with the Jay Thomas combo, and he sounded great!

---

The Bill Berry Tuition Support Fund

Honoring Bill’s passion for jazz and uplifting others, his family and friends have created a tuition support fund for bass students at Jazz Night School and invite the community to take part through contributions. The formation of this fund owes special thanks to Bill's peers at the American Leadership Forum (ALF).

Employer Matching Gifts: If you work for a company that matches charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations, your donation may be doubled or even tripled by your employer. Retirees and relatives may also be eligible. For more information, please contact your human resources department, or contact us at fundraising@jazznightschool.org.

If you would like to donate by check, please designate "Bill Berry Tuition Support Fund" and mail to: Jazz Night School, 5415 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118.