ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS JAZZ

Education Connection Of Ohio

Zach Compston - President

With all of the excitement of OMEA propelling us into 2023, we would like to invite you to get involved with our organization in one of the following ways:

• Join our virtual spring meeting on April 19, 2023. Visit jecohio.org to learn more.

• Consider becoming a MEMBER, and join the conversation about how to deepen our jazz education opportunities around the state.

Spring 2023 Update

The Jazz Education Connection of Ohio is an OMEA Allied Organization dedicated to enriching jazz education efforts throughout the state. We are a member-based organization with a rich history of connecting all educational environments to the power of jazz. This update comes to you on the heels of a highly productive OMEA conference - one in which JECO was postured in arguably its strongest light yet. JECO hosted four sessions at OMEA that made a profound impact on the attendees, ranging from improvisation tips and vocal jazz techniques to advocacy for women in jazz. Further, the JECO/Stanton’s Reading Band and newly instituted JECO Jam Session were held before capacity crowds at the Hyatt Regency. Saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio (Kent State University) curated an innovative, forward-thinking program of music with the Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble, which represented ten different Ohio colleges and universities. Our events were full of attendees anxiously absorbing the tips, techniques and best practices that we had to offer. Emails and correspondence has continued to flow in from individuals seeking more information about how they can deepen their jazz education practices in the future.

• Are you a results-oriented jazz education lover? Consider joining our BOARD OF DIRECTORS and bring your ideas to reality.

Our goal is to reimagine our impact around the state, including online resources, professional development events, message boards and more, aimed at providing you the tools you need to better serve your students through jazz. Please follow the Jazz Education Connection of Ohio on Facebook to stay up-todate about our events and opportunities.

Finally, as a celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month in April, consider adding a new element to your teaching of this American art form. Whether it’s a deeper dive into the elements of jazz - blues, improvisation, swing - a lesson on jazz with a general music class, or an opportunity to take your students to a live jazz performance, how can you inspire your students using jazz? We are here to help, and we can’t wait to see the amazing work being done around the state of Ohio.

Zach Compston is the Executive Director of Programming and Education for the Jazz Arts Group. He oversees logistical and administrative duties, vision and direction of JAG’s performance and educational programming, including concert productions, the Columbus Youth Jazz Program, Jazz Academy programs and school programs for pre-K through college.

Contact: zcompston@jazzartsgroup.org