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Who We Are

About The Jazzy Hideaway

The Jazzy Hideaway is a Louisiana-based nonprofit expanding access to culturally rooted jazz education for youth in underserved rural communities. Through virtual instruction, mentorship, and live performance opportunities, we work to prevent youth disconnection and foster long-term creative confidence.

The organization was founded by Mitchell Player, a professional musician and cultural leader committed to expanding equitable access to Louisiana's musical heritage. While rooted in Clinton, Louisiana, The Jazzy Hideaway now operates primarily through virtual programming to ensure access for rural students across the state.

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Why it Matters

In many rural Louisiana communities, access to arts education is limited or disappears before high school. Without structured creative engagement and mentorship, youth are at greater risk of disengagement. The Jazzy Hideaway intervenes during the critical ages of 12–16, providing weekly instruction, cultural connection, and a pathway to performance.

Jazz is Louisiana’s cultural language. It teaches collaboration, improvisation, discipline, and listening. By grounding our program in New Orleans tradition, students connect to heritage while developing modern skills that extend beyond music.

Our Commitment

The Jazzy Hideaway is committed to measurable outcomes, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Through collaboration with schools, libraries, and local leaders, we ensure our program remains accessible, culturally grounded, and responsive to community needs.

Meet The Team

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Mitchell Player

Founder

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Hank Leo

Board President

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Pam Blackmon

Board Member

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Alison Edmonson

Board Member

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Chloe Attix

Board Member & Marketing Coordinator

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Ashlye Keaton

Board Member

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Donna Sims

Board Member

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Ashley Cannon Dunn

Board Member

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Peter Fleischer

Board Member

Meet Our Educators

Zach Lange

Educator

Zach Lange is a New Orleans-based trumpet player known for his deep passion for improvised music and his love for traditional jazz. Originally from the Midwest, Zach spent 11 years in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Now, Zach has become a prominent figure in New Orleans' vibrant music scene, performing regularly at top clubs and venues. Zach has taken his distinct sound across the U.S. and internationally, captivating audiences on stages worldwide. His performances are defined by spontaneity and emotional depth, drawing on New Orleans' rich musical heritage while expanding the boundaries of jazz. A skilled improviser, Zach blends technical mastery with a creative spirit that pushes the traditional limits of the genre. In addition to his performing career, Zach has had an extensive and impactful teaching journey. He served as the Music Director and later the Director of the Sparhawk School in Amesbury, MA, where he oversaw the development of the school’s music programs. Zach also ran jazz programs at various high schools across the region and became a celebrated clinician, known for his engaging and inspiring approach to jazz education. For over a decade, Zach taught at the Seacoast Academy of Music, where he developed and led jazz programs that nurtured young talent and fostered a deep appreciation for jazz and improvisation. He also maintained a trumpet studio, where he taught students of all levels, from beginners to advanced players, helping them refine their technique and cultivate their creative voices.

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