The Nash Establishes Herb and Lorene Ely Scholarship Fund for Jazz Education

The Nash has announced the establishment of the Herb and Lorene Ely Scholarship Fund, created in memory of Nash co-founder Herb Ely, who passed away in April 2026.

A guiding force behind The Nash since its founding, Ely played a pivotal role in shaping the organization into a vibrant home for jazz in Phoenix. His vision centered on creating a space where world-class performance and meaningful education could thrive side by side. That vision continues to inform The Nash's programs and its commitment to nurturing young artists and audiences.

The Herb and Lorene Ely Scholarship Fund was established with a generous annual lead gift from the Gopi Family. The fund will provide full and partial scholarships to students enrolled in The Nash Jazz Summer Camp and support tuition subsidies for students participating in the organization's school-year jazz ensemble programs.

The Nash is committed to ensuring access for all students, offering sliding-scale tuition for participants ages 18 and under so that families pay only what they can afford, from zero to full tuition.

Each year, The Nash awards scholarships to 35 percent of summer camp attendees and provides tuition assistance to approximately 75 percent of students in its school-year programs. These efforts represent an annual investment of approximately $56,000 in student support, with the Ely Scholarship Fund helping to sustain and grow this critical access.

“Herb believed deeply in the power of jazz as both an art form and a vehicle for understanding our shared history, particularly its roots in the struggle for civil rights,” said Steve Maun, President/CEO of The Nash. “He built The Nash to be a place where young people could connect to that legacy, find their voice, and grow as artists. This scholarship fund ensures that his commitment to access and education continues to open doors for the next generation.”

To support jazz education at The Nash and contribute to The Herb and Lorene Ely Scholarship Fund, visit thenash.org/the-ely-scholarship-fund/.