An annual jazz concert commemorating the life and career of Parkway West band teacher Dr. John Baker will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at the Sky Music Lounge, located at 930 Kehrs Mill Rd. in Ballwin (in the Barn at Lucerne at the corner of Kehrs Mill and Clayton Roads). Students are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Dr. Baker was the band director at Parkway West High School from 1978-1994. Every year since his death in 2001, “The Faculty and Friends Big Band,” a group made up of colleagues, friends and former students, performs a tribute concert to honor his memory.

“He is remembered for his passion for music, dedication to and belief in his students, high expectations and laughter,” said Drew Davis, who plays in the Faculty and Friends Big Band and is also band director at Southwest Middle School.

Admission for the concert is a $10 minimum donation at the door. Proceeds will go to the John Baker Scholars Fund, which benefits band students through the Parkway Alumni Association’s (PAA) Granting Dreams Program. All donations are tax-deductible.

Granting Dreams provides students with educational opportunities that are above and beyond the scope of the classroom. To date, the PAA has awarded over $240,000 in monetary grants and filled 100+ community resource grants.

The mission of the Parkway Alumni Association is to encourage communication among alumni and foster programs which serve and support the Parkway community. The Parkway Alumni Association is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization.

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