2012 Conference Feedback

  Feedback from the 2012 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky

Watch Bret Primack, The Jazz Video Guy, and his video summary on the 2012 JEN conference by clicking here.

Check out this recent article in Bass Player Magazine by John Goldsby!

 http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22422770/JEN_Article_Goldsby.pdf

Just a short note to say "THANK YOU. " What a great conference, goodness, who would have thought we wold be in such great shape for "OUR" organization just four short years ago! I really think Atlanta is going to be the break out year with at least 4 and possibly 5 thousand members coming to JEN. Amazing!!!

Yes, the LaPorta Award was very special and I truly appreciate all the effort and kindness shown to me during this time in Louisville, but more importantly I really, as do all those who attended the JEN Conference appreciate your hard and undying efforts for the continuation of the music and our organization. I didn't hear one negative word during the entire event. What a wonderful tribute to you and the board for making this happen. BRAVO!!!

Bart Marantz, Educator and 2012 John LaPorta winner—Dallas Texas

I had a great time during my quick visit to the JEN conference last Friday. Congrats on a job well done. The Galt House was a lovely venue for the meeting. I only wish my schedule would have allowed me to be there for all three days. I am marking my calendar for next year in Atlanta now.

Thanks for all you do in support of Jazz education. MFA is honored to have JEN as a strategic partner. Here's to a successful 2012!

Nancy Carlson, VP and CFO, Music for All—Indianapolis, IN

I heard nothing, but fabulous reviews of this year's conference - from record company execs to students to professional musicians. It also wonderful to know that next year there will be no conflict between JEN and APAP. Looking forward

Lois Gilbert, President, Jazz Corner—New York, NY

It was an honor and pleasure for Adam and I to attend the JEN Conference in Louisville on behalf of CMA. The conference provided a glimpse into the world of musicians as educators and developers of jazz educational programs around the world. I heard wonderful music by students and professionals, and got a chance to meet many individuals that I knew via phone and email. My big takeaway was witnessing the mentoring between master and student in action...over and over again. Thanks for the inspiration and connectivity.

Jeanette M. Vuocolo, Program Director, CMA Jazz Chamber Music America—New York, NY

Just wanting to take a second and extend my massive gratitude for an amazing week at JEN!

It was a huge honor to be present, to have gotten a scholarship and to volunteer at the registration area. It was a total blast to see so many friends and colleagues and to hear such great music! I can not imagine how much work you put into this event and am so grateful to have this event back! I appreciate its more intimate feel and accessibility and also the dedication to education. So I'm sure you've heard it a million times already, but let me be the millionth and 1:
Thank you for your work, talents, time, energy, spirit...everything! I look very much forward to next year. If I can be of any service, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kathleen Hollingsworth, Graduate Student/Teaching Assistant, Frost School of Music, University of Miami—Miami, FL

I can understand why your thoughts are still in Louisville. What a perfect selection you made for the conference of 2012. The Galt House was about as perfect as you could get. Plus it was centrally located for all attendees. Our thoughts are still often there.

It spite of all the logistics involved all went smoothly and exquisitely well....at least in the eyes of the attendees. You and your crew did a magnificent job.

I keep plugging JEN with school, college and universities teachers and professors I come in contact with. I have sent the information out to several since I returned from Louisville.

Thanks again for all you do.

Your devoted fan,

Gerald Gordy, Robinson, IL

Great

Tom Bones Malone, Randolph, NJ

It was a wonderful event with many superb clinics, concerts, presentations, etc. The only trouble at these things in general is one cannot possibly check out everything desired. I think the Galt House was an excellent choice for the conference venue - there seemed to be plenty of space and appropriate rooms for presentations though it could be a bit of a hike if one needed to go between the opposite ends of the venues. It's a nice hotel, too - friendly, helpful staff, etc. I think Louisville is an excellent place for the event - fairly centrally located, easy access, etc. I think New Orleans is of course appropriate given who we are. One clinic I would like to mention in particular is Bobby Sanabria's "The Latin side of Jazz-much more than a footnote". This presentation was one of the best I've ever attended in over 25 years of going to these conferences. The information presented was so fundamental and important to the art form's nature and development and was presented in a most authoritative fashion with photos, scores, recordings etc. It should be required knowledge for ALL jazz musicians. Sadly, Bobby said it has not been recorded in any way. THIS PRESENTATION NEEDS TO BE RECORDED ON VIDEO AND PRESERVED!!! Thanks for the opportunity to give my comments. Thanks also for your selfless dedication to the organization.

See you in Atlanta.
Best,

Rich Armandi, Berwyn, IL

Hi All,

Congrats!!!!! JEN was a wonderful experience this year. Major kudos to you and the board for making it a great success. Even though I am a musician/educator/etc., I still love to be the student. There was a lot to learn at this year’s JEN. Thank you for the opportunity to teach and to learn. I look forward to connecting with you all again very soon.

All the best,

Randy Klein, New York, NY