Twenty-three Austin Academy for Excellence students were recently invited to showcase their skills at a national music education conference. The Austin Jazz Ensemble performed at the 2015 Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in San Diego Jan. 8.
“We are proud of our jazz band and their accomplishments,” said Band Director Margaret Wis.
“During the Conference, students performed a wide range of big band jazz styles for nearly an hour. Professional and student musicians, as well as jazz aficionados, appreciated the great performance that belied their young age.”
The talented middle-schoolers played seven songs during their set. They were even joined by a special guest player—former Austin Jazz Ensemble saxophonist Ross Gerberich, who is now a Rowlett High School freshman.
In addition to wowing the audience during their performance, students were able to delight in some of the event’s sessions.
“The JEN Conference is a four-day annual meeting of jazz educators with daily forums, concerts, exhibits, clinics and jam sessions,” Wis said. “Students got to try instruments, reeds, mutes and mouthpieces in the exhibit hall, and had a jam session in a Yamaha booth. They also enjoyed a keynote address by award-winning musician Herbie Hancock and saw feature concerts every evening. The highlight was Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band’s performance.”
After the concert, students bought CDs, got autographs and took photos with the Grammy award-winning studio composer and band members.
In addition to taking in the sights and sounds of the Conference, the group took full advantage of their time in California. Students visited Coronado Island, Mission Beach, the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.
“Although some of these activities sound suspiciously educational, the students had fun,” Wis commented. “It was a nice reward for their hard work.”
Photos courtesy of Margaret Wis