Arizona Association for Jazz Education

As the new year begins, we here in AAJE are pushing as hard as ever to meet our goals, which really boil down to serving you, the jazz educator here in Arizona. Are latest project, the Jazz Commando project, is one step in that direction. While we are still coming up with more ideas of how we can help you, our best resource available to us is you, the teacher in the trenches who is looking for advice, or wants to share their experience. So please, don't hesitate to get in contact with us and let us know what you would like to see coming from this organization.

AAJE has been serving the needs of Arizona's jazz education programs, students, educators, and performers for decades. Whether you were once a member or are looking to become a member of AAJE for the first time, we need you in our organization! We are now autonomous and need everyone to renew their membership directly with AAJE. Please take the time to join by using our on-line membership application.

In addition to our other great benefits, when you join AAJE, you also become a member of JEN, the Jazz Education Network!

One goal of AAJE is to reach out to local schools that may not be as well versed in jazz as others. We want to create an outreach program that will go through AAJE. This program will give you and your students the opportunity of having a college jazz educator, jazz music educator, or competent jazz music education student come to your school and work with your ensemble for little or no money. We want to be the ―middle man‖ and build connections between you and your local college or university. This program will benefit all parties by:

1. Supporting local schools with professional talent and new ideas.
2. Helping college educators get out academia and work hands on with younger students that may otherwise never get this opportunity.
3. To give college students the chance to refine their skills and give you the opportunity to learn new tricks.

We want to do all of the leg work to help your pro-gram. Please contact AAJE at lewis0803@hotmail.com if you want to have a clini-cian come to you. AAJE will also consider funding some or all expenses if we deem a project worthy, or if funds at your school are scarce

July 12th- July 23rd Paradise Valley Community College Jazz InstituteSpli

A two session institute for 12 to 18 year olds. The first session is geared towards playing in a big band setting, and the second session focuses on playing in jazz combos. The sessions run concurrently, with one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Please visit the website for more information: www.paradisevalley.edu/ce/sum/sumjazz.html 

Applications are currently being accepted for the Music Director position with Young Sounds of Arizona. Follow the link for more information: Young Sounds Information

Click here for information on Young Sounds of Arizona. Auditions are in June.

Click here for information on CityJazz or call (602) 262-4627. For an informational flyer on the up-coming season and the Jazz Boot Camp, CLICK HERE.

Click here for information on the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Youth Band.

Click here to check out & download some great articles and clinic materials. 

The Arizona Association for Jazz Education is dedicated to the continued growth and development of jazz and jazz education. The success of AAJE is dependent upon the continued support of its members. AAJE needs your input, energy and enthusiasm to further the growth of jazz and jazz education in the State of Arizona.

• Nurture and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage
• Provide leadership to educators regarding curricula, aesthetics and performance
• Assist teachers and practitioners with information and resources
• Take an active part in organizing clinics, festivals and symposiums at local and regional festivals
• Promote the application of jazz principles in music, materials and methods at all levels of education