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JEN Congratulates Their 2022 Award Recipients

Christian Wissmuller • News • January 4, 2022

The LeJENds of Jazz Education Award

JOSEPH JENNINGS

Established in 2012 by the JEN Board of Directors, the JEN LeJENds of Jazz Education Award honors true legends in jazz education. This award is bestowed upon a jazz educator who has distinguished themselves by living up to the JEN Mission.
The LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award

IGNACIO BERROA

Established in 2014 by the JEN Board of Directors, the JEN LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award honors true legends of Latin Jazz. This award is bestowed upon a musician who has distinguished themselves by living up to the JEN Mission.
The Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year Award

JOSEPH JEFFERSON

Named after the legendary jazz educator, 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.
The John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award

ROOSEVELT GRIFFIN

The Jazz Education Network 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 Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award

ROXANNE STEVENSON

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. Donald Meade’s first voice stories embrace the social, political and cultural realities that shaped and created jazz truths.  He has inspired and encouraged numerous jazz artists, and he was a steadfast advocate for jazz education, particularly for young people.  The AAJC foundation, presented in tandem with JEN, continues his legacy through recognizing other jazz griots with the Meade Legacy Jazz Griot, in addition to creating platforms in which their stories can heard around the world.
The President’s Service Award

MICHAEL SHIRTZ

The President’s Service Award is awarded annually by the President in consultation with the President-Elect, Vice President, Immediate Past President, and additional members of the Advisory Council of Past Presidents to an individual that has given tirelessly of their efforts, resources, expertise, and time, demonstrated their commitment to JEN’s mission, and is a true example of altruism.
2022 SISTERS IN JAZZ COLLEGIATE JAZZ COMBO SELECTEES

Summer Camargo (Trumpet), Stephanie Tateiwa (Saxophone), Yeeun Kim (Piano), Molly Redfield (Bass), Carmen Murray (Drums)

In an effort to support JEN’s overall commitment to represent and cultivate diversity and inclusion in jazz, the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Women in Jazz Committee has re-established the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo Competition. Through this exemplary 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.

2022 Sisters in Jazz Selectees will rehearse and receive feedback from this year’s director, Allison Miller. The quintet will prepare two charts to premier at the 2022 JEN Conference in Dallas, TX, January 5-8.

2022 YOUNG COMPOSER SHOWCASE SELECTEES

Clint Bleil, Kate Hamann, Stephen Harvey, Josh Karas, Skylar Tang, & Gary Wang

The Young Composer Showcase spotlights young jazz composers, giving students an opportunity to have an original composition recognized and performed at an International level at the 2022 JEN Conference, January 5-8 in Dallas, TX.
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