The LeJENds of Jazz Education Award
Established in 2012 by the JEN Board of Directors, the JEN LeJENds of Jazz Education Award honors true legends in jazz education. This year, the award is given to Joseph W. Jennings, director of the Spelman Jazz Band and coordinator of jazz studies at Spelman College.
The LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award
Established in 2014 by the JEN board of directors, the JEN LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award honors true legends of Latin jazz. This year's recipient is drummer Ignacio Berroa, who has conducted master classes in Afro-Cuban jazz all over the world.
The Ellis Marsalis Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year Award
Named after the legendary jazz educator from New Orleans, this award recognizes an outstanding elementary, middle or high school educator with a focus on jazz education, who represents the highest standards of teaching and whose results in the classroom have brought distinction to their institution and their students. Joseph Jefferson, an assistant professor of trombone/euphonium and director of jazz studies at Southeast Missouri State University, gets the award this year.
The John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award
JEN and Berklee College of Music collaborate to present the John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year award. The award is named after the legendary jazz educator John LaPorta and will recognize an outstanding elementary middle, or high school educator with a focus on jazz education, who represents the highest standards of teaching and whose results in the classroom have brought distinction to their institution and their students. The 2022 recipient is Roosevelt Griffin, CEO of The Griffin Institute of Performing Arts in Chicago.
The Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award
Founded by the African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC), The Donald Meade Legacy Foundation has been founded upon the premise that the "story" is an essential part of Jazz education and that the storyteller or Griot creates a vital link between the music and life stories. This year's Jazz Griot award goes to Roxane Stevenson, Professor of Music at Chicago State University.
The President's Service Award
The President’s Service Award is presented annually to an individual who has given tirelessly of their efforts, resources, expertise and time, demonstrated their commitment to JEN's mission, and is a true example of altruism. A vocalist and choral conductor based in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Shirtz receives the 2022 President's Service Award.
2022 Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Jazz Combo Selectees
The JEN Women in Jazz Committee has re-established the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo Competition. Through this program, full-time university students identifying as young women or non-binary jazz artists ages 18-29 auditioned and were selected to perform in the Sisters in Jazz quintet. Sisters in Jazz selectees will rehearse and receive feedback from this year’s director, Allison Miller. The quintet will prepare two charts to premiere at the 2022 JEN Conference this week.
2022 Young Composer Showcase Selectees
The Young Composer Showcase gives students an opportunity to have an original composition recognized and performed at an international level at the 2022 JEN Conference.
Congratulations to these outstanding educators and students!
