The Park Jazz Collective Attends Jazz Education Network’s Annual Conference in New Orleans
Last week, The Park Jazz Collective (PJC) traveled to New Orleans to participate in the Jazz Education Network’s (JEN) annual conference. The trip offered students a chance to immerse themselves in the musical life of the birthplace of jazz. This year, PJC formed two groups: an instrumental jazz ensemble that focuses on classic repertoire from the Bebop canon, and a Vocal Jazz Workshop that performs classic swing, Bossa Nova, and Modal Jazz tunes featuring both individual soloists and full ensemble arrangements accompanied by a rhythm section.
As part of the JENerations festival, students participated in critiques and workshops led by top clinicians, attended performances by jazz luminaries and fellow student groups, and explored the vibrant city of New Orleans. Maeve Royce, Lower, Middle, and Upper School Music Teacher and advisor of PJC, was joined by Chris Peterson, Lower, Middle, and Upper School Music Teacher and Carlos Casilla-Nova, Upper School Music and Choral Director and parent chaperones.
The trip offered students access to dozens of world-class performances —including sets by Nestor Torres, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, John Clayton, David Stryker, the Preservation Hall Legacy Band, Pacific Standard Time, the US Army Blues, Temporal Taal Collective, Caliente, Stefon Harris & Blackout, and the Christine Jensen Orchestra featuring Ingrid Jensen. Equally memorable was experiencing the energy and culture of New Orleans itself. From sampling culinary staples and hearing brass bands in the French Quarter to catching Doreen Ketchens (known as the “Louis Armstrong of the clarinet”) performing on Royal Street, Park students had an unforgettable opportunity to play with, listen to, and learn directly from professional and student musicians in the World Capital of Jazz. Thanks to all who made this trip possible!
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