News & Views Saturday, November 23, 2024

JEN - Jazz Education Network - Replaces the Defunct IAJE Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Earlier this summer Stanton’s Sheet Music became the first Charter Corporate member of the new Jazz Education Network. JEN came into being in the early summer after the untimely demise of the International Association for Jazz Education. We’re so excited about the networking possibilities offered by JEN. Under the leadership of jazz educator Mary Jo Papich, the organization is firmly committed to STUDENTS FIRST!

 

I’ll be attending the Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference this December in Chicago which will serve as the “coming out” event for JEN. JEN will have a booth presence as well as informational and organizational meetings.

 

In this day and age of divisive cultural and political rhetoric, jazz music and jazz education can truly serve to bring all Americans together. The spirit of improvisation and innovation, inherently common in jazz, is an American concept to which we all can relate.

 

As a sideline, Ohio has a new jazz education advocacy group called Jazz Education Connection of Ohio. JECO will be sponsoring the ever popular Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble at the 2009 OMEA Conference in Columbus, OH. Dr. Lou Fischer of Capital University will be the quest conductor this year. JECO has also joined as a Charter Institutional Member of JEN.

 

You may visit the web sites of both groups at JEN and JECO.

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