The Noel Pointer Foundation (NPF) was founded in memory of celebrated jazz violinist, educator and humanitarian, Noel Pointer.  Noel, a noted Grammy nominee, toured major concert venues both at home and abroad with critical acclaim, touching the lives and hearts of thousands.  Noel’s reputation as an “outstanding jazz musician” and “literacy advocate” garnered him honorary citizenship in numerous places and earned him special citations from the United States Congress.

A native of Brooklyn, at the young age of 13, Noel made his solo debut, performing none other than Vivaldi with the world renowned Symphony of the New World Orchestra.  Soon to follow were guest solo appearances with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  While a student at New York City’s High School of Music and Art, Noel discovered jazz and soon began to occupy himself with this genre.  Later, while attending college at Manhattan School of Music, Noel became reputable as a New York session musician.  By age 19 his experience as a free lance musician included steady work in The Radio City Music Hall Symphony Orchestra, The Apollo Theatre Orchestra, The Westbury Music Fair Orchestra, The Love Unlimited Orchestra (US Tour), The Dance Theater of Harlem Orchestra, The Symphony of the New World, and the pit orchestras of several Broadway shows including Guys and Dolls and Dreamgirls.

From 1977-1981 Noel recorded seven solo albums, four of which reached the top five jazz albums listed on Billboard magazine's jazz charts.  His debut album, Phantazia, won him the #1 New Male Jazz Act award in Record World magazine, along with several other top awards in prestigious trade publications, including Downbeat magazine.

With all his great prestige, Noel had a fondness for audiences in inner-city communities, where he loved to perform and bring his melodic sounds of jazz.  He also immensely enjoyed working with children and families.  Almost immediately after his untimely death in late 1994, The Noel Pointer Foundation was established in early 1995.

Noel firmly believed that learning to play a string instrument is a wonderful activity and a transformative experience, opening up new worlds for children.  The Noel Pointer Foundation endeavors to keep his legacy, his spirit and his dream alive.

The Noel Pointer Foundation,
“Empowering Children, One Note at a Time…”