MILWAUKEE — The sound of jazz fills the practice halls of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, where students like Charlie find more than just music lessons — they find community.

"I want to play in a band, and this is my only band opportunity that I have because my school doesn't have a band," Charlie said.

She is one of many young students taking part in the conservatory's jazz camps, an opportunity made possible in part through the philanthropic work of the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival.

"It feels really electrifying, like I can, like, oh wow, I can do this," Charlie said.

It's that enthusiasm for music that Carl Brown wants to support. He started the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival six years ago with a vision that extended beyond entertainment.

"I remember we did the very first festival,

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