New All State Jazz Band Manager

Iam excited to be back on the conference planning committee after a two-year hiatus; OMEA has grown so much in such a short time I am excited to back! I have big shoes to fill as the managers before me have put together some stellar Gala Jazz Concerts that have been an excellent lead into our evening banquet and festivities

I am pleased to announce that this year’s jazz conductor is Mark Taylor former arranger for Stan Kenton, The United States Army Band, and is now a prolific Hal Leonard composer and arranger . He was in Oregon this year for the 32nd Annual Lewis & Clark Workshop in New and Proven Concert & Jazz Band Literature and said that he “is looking forward to coming back to Oregon with its wonderful weather, and to work with our students ”

I am currently working with Steve Owen to provide a variety of educational and informative sessions Current session topics include Beginning and Advanced Improvisation, Teaching Jazz Bass in MS and HS, Teaching Jazz Piano in MS and HS, along with a panel on creating a jazz program from the ground up .

If you have any questions, comments or ideas please feel free to email at ben lawson@threerivers k12 .or .us