HISTORY 

DocFest, Inc. was conceived in 2013 by Chris Walker and Ashley (Tamar) Davis, both alumni of Houston’s Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), to honor the career of Robert “Doc” Morgan, HSPVA Director of Jazz Studies (1976 – 1999) and music department chair (1978 – 1992). Under Dr. Morgan’s guidance, the HSPVA jazz program became internationally known as an exceptional model for the successful training of young jazz aspirants, a reputation continuing today under the supervision of Warren Sneed, himself an HSPVA alumnus. The program’s effectiveness is evidenced by the many alumni currently enjoying significant international success, including pianist/composer Jason Moran (recipient of a 2010 MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant”) and pianist/composer Robert Glasper (recipient of four Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award).

MISSION

The Mission of DocFest, Inc. is to support higher education for HSPVA alumni. This is primarily accomplished by an annual series of benefit concerts/reunions/jam sessions featuring successful HSPVA graduates and additional renowned artists. In consultation with Dr. Morgan and his wife, Helen, it has been established that funds generated by DocFest will primarily be dedicated to the Helen and Bob Morgan Jazz Scholarship Fund at New York’s New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, endowed by the Morgans (with assistance from SBC Foundation) in 1999.