The Gene Harris All Stars program has won the City of Boise’s 2025 Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts & History in the Education category. The program is led by Director and Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano Alex Sjobeck and Assistant Professor and Director of Jazz Derek Ganong.
Gene Harris All Stars offers talented Treasure Valley high school students an immersive jazz education. Student musicians rehearse with Boise State faculty, learn from guest musicians and perform regularly, including an appearance at the Treefort Music Festival.
“Receiving the Mayor’s Award affirms the Gene Harris All Stars’ vital role in Boise’s cultural and educational landscape,” Ganong said. “This recognition will help us expand outreach, build partnerships, attract resources for young Idaho jazz musicians and advocate for meaningful investment in jazz at Boise State.”
In a letter to the program, City of Boise Arts & History Director Jennifer Stevens wrote, “We know the award is well deserved, as your work and contributions to the community are held in the highest esteem.”
The Gene Harris All Stars program joins Albertson’s Library Associate Professor Gwyn Hervochon as Mayor’s awardees this year.