
Founders and Directors

Christopher Burk holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Boston College where he studied Economics and Finance. Christopher is currently self-employed in the field of finance. His prior employers include Fidelity Investments, LLoyds Bank, and Ameriprise Financial. Since 2009, Christopher has lived in Denmark, Maine with his wife Tracy Burk, with whom he shares a passion for supporting the arts, education and environmental conservation.

Michael Sakash holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts in Saxophone Performance, African American/Jazz Studies, and Music Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from Eastman School of Music. Michael is now the Music Director at Fryeburg Academy. Previously, Micheal served as the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Mountain Top Music Center and as an associate professor of music at Washington & Jefferson College (PA).

Jonathan Burk is a graduate of Fryeburg Academy. He is currently enrolled as a full-time student at Cornell University, where he is studying economics and plays in the jazz ensemble. He has also held internship positions at DeVos Institute of Arts Management and Mountain Top Music Center. Jonathan is a co-founder of Jazz Residency Initiative with his father, Christopher Burk.