The JEN Jazz Conference Chronicles
“That’s what jazz is, it’s playing the wrong note to lead you to the right note,” says five-time Grammy winner Victor Wooten. During his Bass Masterclass at the Jazz Education Network conference, he invited the audience to be experimental and to join the musical conversation that is jazz music. After his presentation, sophomore Imani Chisholm felt inspired by his message to “play what you know”, and senior Paul Petretta declared that he would “stop overcomplicating (his bass playing), and just play.” Earlier this month, Mr. Cockrell, Ms. Hutchison, and seven students traveled to Orlando, Florida to attend the JEN Conference. The trip was nothing short of an epiphany.
The students observed and participated in five days of rousing performances and workshops; each one of them leaving the conference enhanced with more musical knowledge and drive. Mr. Cockrell gives us a glimpse into their favorite events from the conference below. You can also watch a sizzle reel of performances, including sophomore Sebastian Liceaga’s JEN debut on the keys, on our YP Instagram feed.
Day 1
The Dena DeRose Trio
The Dena DeRose Trio was lead by vocalist and pianist Dena DeRose of Binghamton, New York. It was wonderful for our students who sing and play piano to see the possibilities of performing jazz!
Day 2
Trombone Masterclass with Joseph Jefferson
Paul Petretta participated in this workshop, along with several other high school and college students. He was able to see a glimpse into what collegiate-level artist workshops will be like as he prepares to go on to major in music next year!
Imox Jazz
This jazz ensemble drew from traditional Guatemalan music and fused it with contemporary jazz idioms. This performance, like several other in the conference, highlighted the possibilities of creating a cross-cultural dialogue when musicians of different cultures and backgrounds come together in the world of jazz.
Moon Walk with Min Xiao & Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra
This four-movement composition, which has been presented at the Brooklyn Museum among other places, showcased Min Xiao playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument that is very unconventional in traditional jazz settings. It was very special to see this unique presentation!
Day 3
AAJC/HBCU Ensemble Concert: The Morehouse Jazz Collective
The Morehouse Jazz Collective featured artists and faculty from various HBCUs. It felt less like a concert and more like a joyous reunion.
Anyone Can Play Jazz. ANYONE! (w/ Jamey Aebersold)
Jamey Aebersold, a living legend in jazz education, recounted his heartwarming tale of how he got his start teaching the music he loves.
Army Ambassadors with Sean Jones
This concert featuring the Army Jazz Ambassadors featuring Sean Jones (the first ever black president of JEN) was truly incredible. The entire band was tight and extremely well-rehearsed, and Sean Jones played with charisma that had all the audience captivated.
Band of Other Brothers (feat. Victor Wooten)
This late-night performance was definitely the highlight of the conference. Victor Wooten is a legend on the bass guitar. The room was totally packed–standing-room only!
Day 4
New Music Vocal Ensemble Reading Session
In this session, students and teachers alike had the opportunity to sightread brand new jazz vocal literature before publication. It was a chance to understand what being in a vocal jazz ensemble is like, as well as an inside look at jazz publishing.
Bass Masterclass with Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten held a fantastic workshop demonstrating that everyone can have a seat at the table when it comes to jazz. He showcased some very simple techniques that any instrumentalist could apply to their playing, whether they play bass or not.
Pacific Standard Time Vocal Jazz Ensemble
This paramount collegiate vocal jazz ensemble showed true finesse and polish as they performed a full concert of pieces that were written and arranged entirely by Cal State students and alum.
Day 5
Heavy Metal Be-Bop
This workshop was truly unconventional, featuring a drummer, bass player, and trumpeter playing reimagined bebop standards in a heavy metal context. Using pedals and amplification, the trio was able to embody the spirit of driving rhythms and shredding guitars while playing Charley Parker tunes.
Andy Nevala Quartet
Our final concert featured the Andy Nevala Quartet, an artist who I personally know. His ensemble plays Latin jazz, utilizing several key players that bring Latin beats to life. Claves, congas, and piano montuno rhythms underscored the concert, while Nevala provided invaluable insight into the Latin and Afro-Caribbean roots of jazz that are often overlooked.
