UNO Jazz thankful for ‘dedicated community’ following Wear Black, Give Back

Pete Madsen knows how a dedicated community can make a difference for his students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

With more than $10,000 raised during Wear, Black Give Back for UNO Jazz students and programs, that support is clear to see. Madsen, area coordinator for Jazz Studies at UNO, said the support reflects the program’s involvement in the community.

The funds raised during Wear Black, Give Back will allow UNO Jazz to continue to remain involved in the community. That includes programming such as the Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra and the annual Great Plains Jazz Festival.

The support Madsen has seen this year is indicative of the hard work and connection UNO Jazz has with the Omaha community.

“I think we just have such an active and vibrant community,” he said. “We’re out performing in front of thousands of people each year, so it’s great to see that return on investment of the time and effort it takes to get out in the community.”

Most importantly, Madsen said the funds raised for the program will provide opportunities and resources that positively impact its students. He said everybody involved in UNO Jazz is appreciative of the generosity and support shown during Wear Black, Give Back.

“The funds raised during Wear Black, Give Back impact our students in many, many ways,” Madsen said. “There are so many needs within a vibrant jazz program, including travel, getting music and equipment and addressing scholarship needs. It means so much to the students to have these experiences.”