Friday, January 7th | 1:30PM – 2:20PM
Location: Student Union Ballroom A
Director’s Lead Sheet: Jazz Ensemble in Middle School and Early High School
Clinician: Gary Ortega
Type: Jazz
Synopsis: Jazz Ensembles are one of the best options for directors to challenge students, build culture in programs, and diversify curriculum. This session is for teachers with and without experience leading a jazz program, as well as prospective collegiate students curious to learn more about teaching jazz in secondary education. Insights and ideas will be shared around approaching core concepts, including: swing feel, improvisation, repertoire choice, adapting instrumentation, working with the rhythm section, and leading rehearsals. Attendees will also leave with tools to help build competency in their students and ways to successfully tackle building or expanding a program.