Thomas G. Everett, director of the Harvard University Band and founder of the Harvard jazz bands, has won the 2008 Luise Vosgerchian Teaching Award, according to a press release from the University.

The award—which includes a $10,000 honorarium awarded through the Office for the Arts at Harvard—was established in 1986 in memory of Vosgerchian, a late music professor.

“There is a still a surreal feeling,” Everett said. “I am very honored to be associated with her.”

Everett, a bass trombonist, has had an accomplished career, playing with the Bolshoi Ballet, the Boston Pops, and the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Tommy Dorsey.

But the lure of teaching brought the Grammy-nominated conductor to Harvard in 1971 to serve as director of the University band.

“Teaching allowed me to balance my career as a professional musician with my love for sharing knowledge with others,” Everett said.

Everett quickly increased the presence of jazz music on campus, founding and directing undergraduate jazz bands at Harvard and Radcliffe during his first year on campus.

“He’s an amazing guy. We’re very lucky to get to work with him and learn from him,” said Noah L. Nathan ’09, manager of the Monday Jazz Band. “His dedication is remarkable.”

In addition to sharing his own musical knowledge, Everett has brought many eminent jazz musicians to Harvard, including trombonist Slide Hampton, saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Bill Evans, and trumpeter Clark Terry.

“We can read, listen, and even play music, but nothing is more insightful than meeting with and hearing these jazz greats in person,” Everett said.

But Everett said he still sees more to be done.

“There is much room for growth. More students should be able to see the beauty and significance of jazz,” he said.