The Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program at First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) approved a grant to the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra (WCJO) to support the third annual WCJO Jazz Fest to be held on the campus of Lycoming College on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28, 2026, according to a news release.

The Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra includes professional musicians and music educators from around the area. The Jazz Fest is an outreach program that affords area high school and college students the opportunity to engage with WCJO members, as well as the guest artist/composer, Mike Tomaro, in a clinical setting. All participating ensembles will receive an interactive performance review by the orchestra members as well as the guest artist, and students will also have a chance to play alongside orchestra members. A performance by the WCJO, featuring Tomaro, will be open to the public and conclude the weekend event.

“We are profoundly grateful to the First Community Foundation Partnership for their support,” Bobby Leidhecker, president of the WCJO Board of Directors said, according to the news release. “This grant will enable us to expand Jazz Fest and serve more student musicians in Lycoming and surrounding counties.”

The foundation “works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets,” the news release said. “FCFP strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving. For more information, visit www.FCFPartnership.org.”