Full Schedule

Clinic Description: This clinic presents a framework for teaching jazz history that breaks from the hegemony of a dominant timeline. By teaching jazz history with thematic organization, one has the ability to maximize class time, lead more robust and relevant discussions, and better contextualize the music and musicians.

Performance Description: Central Washington University Jazz Band I is the premiere instrumental jazz ensemble at CWU. This group focuses on performance of big band literature of the past fifty years, focusing on composers such as Mary Lou Williams, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Slide Hampton, Jim McNeely, Maria Schneider, and others.

Performance Description: Small Esemble 
7 students from the Memphis Jazz Workshop

Clinic Description: While the guitar is a staple of modern jazz, its role within the jazz band is often under-explored in educational settings. This session will provide a comprehensive approach to integrating guitar into the rhythm section, addressing its harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic functions as practical resources for performers and band directors.

Clinic Description: Overcome string program challenges – no rhythm section, limited jazz knowledge – with this practical "dual-track" model. Learn to foster creativity through jazz integration, managed by a single teacher. Arranging insights, backing track methods, and rhythm section techniques (bowing styles such as chops) will be shared.

Performance Description: Sound Invention showcases vocal jazz charts from the big band era and traditional jazz styles, highlighting diverse composers and arrangers. Performing with a jazz combo and a cappella, the ensemble blends rich harmonies and dynamic rhythms, offering a vibrant tribute to classic and contemporary jazz traditions.

Clinic Description: Drawing on Transcriptions, Interviews, and My Experiences as a Musical Director for an AME Zion Church in NY, This Clinic Presents Gospel Keyboard Techniques, Including Chord Voicings, Progressions, and Harmonic Concepts. It Also Demonstrates How Engaging With These Methods Can Inform Approaches to Reharmonization, Improvisation, and Composition Within Jazz Frameworks.

Performance Description: The words “Jazz Fundamentals” typically evoke thoughts of chords, scales, technique, theory, iconic recordings and musicians, syncopated rhythms, history, and styles. But the fundamentals in this piece instead look to some of the underlying human characteristics contributing to the ongoing creation of jazz music.

Clinic Description: Like Dogs Sniffing to Find Compatible Pack Members, Jazz Musicians Use Sitting In as Their Primal Interview Process. This Session Serves Both Sides: Helping New Players Join the Pack While Teaching Bandleaders to Create Better Musical Territory for Discovery.

Clinic Description: Working with rhythm section players doesn't have to be daunting for those who don't play a rhythm instrument! University of Tennessee faculty Denin Slage-Koch (guitar), Taber Gable (piano), Jon Hamar (bass), and Keith Brown (drums) offer insight into how to help young rhythm section players without being one yourself.

Performance Description: HMS will perform music in a variety of styles and grade levels to make it both educational and entertaining for educators and audience members. The band will have two high level guest artists to bring in a crowd and will be sponsored by Yamaha, MakeMusic/Alfred Publishing & Quinlan and Fabish

Performance Description: In Motion Quartet performs forward-thinking original jazz with a nod to the piano-less groups of Ornette Coleman, Dewey Redman, and Lee Konitz. The chord-less make-up of the group allows the band the freedom to stretch harmonically and melodically while maintaining an emphasis on rhythmic interaction and improvised counterpoint.

Clinic Description: From “Preparing the Program” to “Improving for the Future”, this session will guide participants through five steps to cultivating healthy preK-university level jazz programs. Strategies, resources and examples will be shared to develop stronger jazz programs, train a greater number of jazz musicians and to create more well-informed jazz audiences.

Clinic Description: This clinic will focus on the ride cymbal in Jazz drumming and its ability to establish groove, interact with the band, and provide dynamic/textural/thematic contrast to the music. Dave will share how he developed these concepts through experiences with Jason Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Greg Tardy, & Eric Reed, among others.

Clinic Description: Steve Torok introduces strategies and techniques for the study of the saxophone's altissimo register. The clinic is appropriate for altissimo beginners and for players who wish to improve their altissimo. Topics include recommended resources, practice strategies, exercises, advice about gear selection, and methods for developing extreme altissimo.

Performance Description: Led by award-winning composer, arranger, and pianist Annie Booth, the Annie Booth Big Band blends heart, creativity, and soul. A diverse, multi-generational lineup of top-tier musicians brings Booth’s compelling original music to life, delivering a fresh, captivating big band experience.

Performance Description: Experience  Jamie Shew's Spicy, Classy, (and a little) Sassy, a deep, bold dive into love through swing, blues, funk, ballad, and jazz-pop. Featuring some of jazz's finest musicians, this concert blends emotional depth with playful twists, showcasing Shew’s unique voice and vibrant compositional style in a genre-blending musical journey.

Clinic Description: Clinic Sponsorship by Preservation Hall Foundation. Join us for an immersive musical experience led by renowned performer and composer Meghan Swartz and award-winning educator/musician Imer Santiago. We’ll explore the heartbeat of modern brass band music through the iconic tune, “Do Whatcha Wanna” by the Rebirth Brass Band.

Clinic Description: Join us for an immersive 50-minute jazz piano clinic focusing on active chord voicing and contrapuntal techniques. Learn to enhance your improvisation through shell voicing, delayed entry, and rhythmic variations. Discover how to create depth and movement in your playing while exploring the inner voices of harmonic structures.

Performance Description: BLOW GLOBE is a chamber jazz ensemble that melds the sonorities of instrumental jazz and classical with the ethos of contemporary electronic and songwriter musics. Led by Juilliard-trained composer and drummer John Sturino, the band features a unique 8-horn instrumentation and permanent guest vocalist Mar Vilaseca.

Clinic Description: As a jazz pianist and vocalist, I create arrangements that bring new life to old jazz standards. I often reharmonize the melody or change the meter for a contemporary feel. I developed my own improvisational approach that shows how to maximize practice to gradually feel confident over complex rhythmic/melodic structures.

Clinic Description: You’re grappling with the many possible ways to harmonize a melody. Which chord should you choose? 
Beyond harmonic function, chords have emotional and stylistic characteristics. 
Let these aspects help you make a sincere choice. Rich DeRosa provides his original music examples.

Clinic Description: Jazz musicians and educators often refer to "arrangers" jazz piano chops, but perhaps "proficient" jazz piano is better. 
How does one demonstrate proficiency on jazz piano to students, musicians and audiences? Learn how, presented by a "non-pianist" who now teaches jazz piano at a jazz studies program in Maine.

Performance Description: The Loyola University Jazz Ensemble will present an eclectic program of large ensemble jazz music with a New Orleans flavor. Loyola has the oldest and largest jazz program in Louisiana and draws musicians from all over the US. The program may also feature some very special New Orlean's musical guests.

Performance Description: Three a cappella tracks. 1 done in the studio (Keep the Faith), the other two are recordings from a recent live performance. 
Keep the Faith - Accent
What Do I Know About Love - Tobi Crawford
Kindred Souls - Jennifer Barnes

Clinic Description: A panel discussion highlighting shared characteristics between hip-hop and jazz. The central goal of this clinic is to discuss ways that jazz musicians can incorporate hip-hop elements into their music and communities. We'll also discuss how this sort of integration can be mutually beneficial for the jazz and hip-hop communities.

Clinic Description: Addressing all spaces where jazz lives, WIJO outlines their step-by-step process to evaluate institutions, providing Assessment, Goal-Setting, and Consultation. WIJO asks, “why is DEI everyone’s issue?” offering sustainable pathways to create a more inclusive atmosphere in your institution: helping you achieve goals of growth, quality, profit and overall mission fulfillment.

Performance Description: This will be a big band performance. This will be much like our featured performance at JEN in Dallas in 2014 and at The Midwest Clinic in 2012, 2018 and 2023. It will contain many different styles.

Performance Description: The Temporal Taal Collective merges global rhythms, contemporary grooves, soulful vocals, and the elegance of Kathak dance in a jazz-inspired tapestry that transcends cultural boundaries. Drawing from diverse influences, they craft captivating performances that celebrate tradition while embracing innovation, uniting audiences through a shared exploration of rhythm, melody, and movement.

Clinic Description: We spend most of our time rehearsing. Efficient rehearsals lead to quality performances. Jazz bands have unique needs that must be addressed on a regular basis. A rehearsal that is a work of art engages the players to give them ownership of their performance.

Research Description: Analysis of relevant transcriptions of recordings and scores provided by guitarist and composer Mary Halvorson showcase how Halvorson cultivates her musical identity within jazz and jazz adjacent spaces through composition and improvisation.

Research Description: This presentation explores Brad Mehldau’s creative approach to developing melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures, including his creative use of motivic development, interpreting a swing feel in duplets versus triplets, and incorporating an independent left-hand. This presentation aims to provide practical ideas to students hoping to expand upon their improvisational language.

Research Description: This presentation explores the musical evolution of tenor saxophonist Steve Grossman, from his Post-Trane style in the 1970s New York loft scene to his later bebop-influenced work in Italy. Through interviews and analysis of his improvisations, it examines Grossman’s unique shift in musical focus throughout his career.

Research Description: The Purpose of This Study is to Investigate and Better Understand the Role of the Bass in the Jazz Rhythm Section through a Focused Analysis of Ron Carter’s Performance. It Explores and Suggests How Bassists Refine Their Craft to Cultivate the Most Practical and Versatile Performance Skills.

Research Description: This presentation examines Sonny Rollins' post-bridge improvisational tendencies and how they compare to this prolific 1956-1959 recordings. Manipulation of many core elements of jazz performance at the time - tone, rhythm, form are commonly present while he only hints at his mastery of bebop language and phrasing.

Research Description: Playing commercial lead trumpet in a modern setting is a position that demands a great deal. The needed skills go beyond the ability to play high notes and to have tremendous endurance. This guide is a step by step approach to sounding like the masters that came before us.

Research Description: This presentation will discuss teachers, values, and methods associated with early jazz education in New Orleans, circa 1900-1920. By focusing on the interplay between Creole and African American communities and pedagogies, I will make the case that jazz arose from a confluence of both musical and educational influences.

Research Description: This paper shows some ways that Paul Motian was able to innovate jazz through an analysis of Motian’s drumming in relation to Bill Evans and Scott LaFaro from Sunday At The Village Vanguard. This research helps to provide an expanded concept of jazz drumming and interaction inside the rhythm section.

Research Description: This presentation will demonstrate trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire's use of programmatic narratives in his composition and performance practices.  The musical and narrative analysis will include “Tear Stained Suicide Manifesto,” the only tune Akinmusire has surrendered significant narrative details for, and other pieces.

Research Description: The life story of a black female songwriter whose story was often overlooked or misattributed in history books. A thorough and playful look at her story and how it embodies the obstacles women in jazz have faced historically. The presentation includes recordings of family recollections and musical performances.

Research Description: I will present a preliminary exploration of online jazz education platforms, highlighting instructional models, technological tools, and emerging trends. It introduces selection criteria for platform analysis and outlines a research framework grounded in CoI, SDT, and TPACK to examine engagement, teaching practices, and student learning in digital jazz environments.

Research Description: While many lessons can be learned from the great improvisers (swing feel, vocabulary, tone/technique, spirit, etc.), the realm of discussion regarding the structure and organization of their sound is very slim. By looking at the compositions and improvisations of great composer/improvisers, we find examples of how to tell a story.

Research Description: This presentation introduces students and instructors to a process for adapting standard Hip Hop repertoire for by  acoustic jazz ensembles. Topics include transcribing raps, preparing raps for instrumental performance, and creating acoustic arrangements that leave room for improvisations inspired by the spirit of the original Hip Hop tracks.

Research Description: One Hundred Years After Its Peak As An International Fad, This Presentation Will Explore The African American Origins Of The Charleston Rhythm, The Transformation By James P. Johnson From An Ethnic Vernacular Tradition To A Cross-Cultural Popular Phenomenon, And Its Staying Power As An Essential Rhythmic Device.

Research Description: This presentation highlights the pedagogical value of guitar ensembles in jazz education. It draws on the presenter’s experience leading a university-level ensemble to explore how these groups develop improvisation, reading, and stylistic flexibility while expanding repertoire offerings and providing guitarists more equitable performance opportunities within jazz programs.

Research Description: Based on my recent thesis project including a psychological survey of 250 adult musicians, this presentation explores the psychological experiences of musicians, providing research that suggests women may face more psychological barriers to jazz participation than men. I also examine existing and potential solutions to gender disparity in jazz.

Research Description: The harmonies of 20th century jazz share many characteristics with composers of 20th French art music. The harmonic language, rhythmic conceptions, and stylistic traits of Maurice Ravel and Erik Satie clearly illustrate these characteristics.

Research Description: This is a presentation of my research on the underrepresented female saxophonist Vi Redd. It will include analysis of her music, study of her life and career, and discussion regarding cultural issues surrounding women in jazz history.

Research Description: This research seeks to explore the compositional and improvisational style of Kenny Kirkland. The study aims to dissect Kirkland's unique approaches to composition and improvisation, by studying his harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic elements. The research will include transcription, musical analysis, and video recordings synchronized with sound-slices of the transcriptions.

Clinic Description: Ready To Move Beyond Scales And Theory Into Real, Expressive Improvisation? This Clinic Will Offer Learn By Doing Approaches To Mastering The Art Of Jazz Improvisation No Matter Where You're Starting From.
Explore Approach Notes, Deep Practice, Flow, Groove, Forward Motion, Fun, Play Rest, River Of Rhythm, And Voice Leading

Performance Description: Join 2x GRAMMY Award®-winning vocalist Sara Gazarek for a captivating set of reimagined standards, fresh originals, and inspired covers. Hailed by the LA Times as “one who may well turn out to be the next important jazz singer,” Gazarek brings heart, soul, and nuance to every performance.

Clinic Description: The Sistering is a music collective of four award-winning jazz vocalists/composers - Lenora Zenzalai Helm, Lois Deloatch, Kate McGarry and Nnenna Freelon – who co-created an album scheduled for release January 2026. The collective provides a guide for inspiring artists to overcome collaboration barriers, elevate musicianship, and broaden creative opportunities.

Performance Description: The Florida State University Jazz Orchestra performs a wide variety of music in the jazz repertoire from classic standards to new compositions and arrangements, including those by our faculty, students, and guests. The recordings come from our annual spring subscription concert, one including guest artist and guitarist, Mike Moreno.

Performance Description: This dynamic collaborative brings together artists from Europe and the US. The legendary Danny Gottlieb drives the sublime compositions of Swedish piano star Per Danielsson. Along with saxophone artist Tamara Danielsson, percussion guru Beth Gottlieb, trombonist Harry Watters and Swedish bass sensation Hans Backenroth, their joys of musical friendships abound.

Performance Description: Pacific Standard Time will perform a set of completely new and innovative arrangements by current and former students. The group delivers a well-rounded mix of styles in the jazz idiom from the iconic to the leading edge. They have electrifying stage presence and are renowned for their excellence and artistry.

Performance Description: Caliente, the flagship youth Latin jazz ensemble from Diaz Music Institute, ignites the stage with fresh takes on traditional Latin jazz. Experience the magic as they engage in a thrilling musical dialogue with Grammy winners Nestor Torres and Oskar Cartaya.

Performance Description: This quartet in various configurations dates back many decades, and its members are some of the best known names in jazz.

Performance Description: “Suspended Sea” explores Afro-Dominican rhythms fused with American jazz. It focuses on the explosiveness of Latin rhythms and American jazz's rich harmonic palette. It includes pambiche, bachata, gagá, palos, and bamboulá de Samaná. This nonet offers a different perspective of Latin jazz, incorporating elements outside traditional definitions.