“Music is supposed to be something that you enjoy, so why shouldn’t it be fun? And if kids are having fun playing music, guess what, they’re going to practice,” Ross said.

They will have one weekend in January to meet, practice together and then perform for state officials, college recruiters and jazz aficionados.

McCullough started guitar at a young age when he started playing around with his dad’s guitars. He was frustrated at first but stuck with it. He’s working out the puzzles of music, and finishing a puzzle is always rewarding.