JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK


4th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JANUARY 2-5, 2013
Atlanta, GA

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER!
• Application Deadline REVISED: JUNE 25th - Midnight EDT

NOTE: Due to a recent website problem after routine maintenance, applications were not functioning correctly for a period of approximately four days.  Therefore, we have decided to extend the deadline for an additional 10 days to allow you to prepare your materials and get them in for the 2013 Conference.

This page includes GUIDELINES and links to make APPLICATION to:

• PERFORM 
• Present a CLINIC 
• Present a RESEARCH paper
• Participate  in the NEW JENerations Jazz Festival

Full details for each follow below!

IN GENERAL:

Completing the JEN Online Application Form is a requirement in order to submit materials related to presenting a performance and/or clinic at the Annual JEN Conference. Please be advised materials will not be accepted in any other form and/or after the deadline has passed. In an effort to assist you in this process, we have created GUIDELINES (printed in detail below) specific to what you need to do in order to prepare your materials in advance to complete and submit your application successfully.

Each category of application requires slightly different information, so please be certain to follow the Application Guidelines that are specific to the type of application you will be submitting, i.e. (1) Clinic Application, (2) a Conference Performance Application, or (3) application to participate in the JENerations Jazz Festival (NEW THIS YEAR!). 

It is recommended you print this page for reference as you prepare your materials for submission. All information requested must be included at the time of your application submission in order for the application to be processed within the JEN system. 

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of our members have had difficulty with completing the form in the past and find that if they miss a question and click submit, the page reappears indicating that some or all of data they had input has disappeared, which requires them to re-input the data.

Note that file upload locations MUST be reentered.

If other data is also missing it may be due to your browser settings.  It is highly recommended prior to attempting to complete the application process, that you set your browser to make certain items do NOT disappear, in the event you do not complete all of the mandatory questions.  You should be able to control those settings, some of which can be found here:

Firefox 5: Tools, Options, Privacy, History
Internet Explorer 8: Tools, Internet options, Content, Autocomplete settings
Safari 4: Preferences, AutoFill

Please note that the foregoing locations may not be accurate due to a difference in browser versions.

The best approach is to take your time and follow the directions explicitly while completing the application process.

Application Submission Limit:

• No more than two applications may be submitted by an individual to perform at the JEN Conference.
• Ensembles will not be accepted that include an abundance of duplicate members.

Application Restrictions:

• Membership in JEN is required to submit an application to perform or present a clinic
• If you presented a clinic at the JEN Conference in 2012, you are not eligible to submit a clinic application for 2013. 
• Presenting a clinic in 2012 does not prohibit you from applying as a performer in 2013.
• If you performed as a leader of an ensemble at the JEN Conference in 2012, you are not eligible to submit a performance application in the same capacity in 2013.
• Performing as a leader in 2012 does not prohibit you from submitting an application to present a clinic in 2013 or perform as a member of another ensemble.


TIMELINE

• April 1st - June 25th (midnight EDT): Applications will be taken online during this time period
• June 25th - August 15th: Applications will be reviewed by the various committees.
• August 15th - September 1st: Applicants will be notified of acceptance.
• September 1st - September 15th: Applicants must confirm and accept the invitation to present or perform.
• September 15th - October 15th: Register all ensemble members for conference badges. A link to the JEN Registration Badge Center will be provided at that time. 

NOTE: Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge to move freely about the conference. All presenters and performers do receive complimentary registration to attend the entire JEN Conference. Once you have confirmed your invitation to present or perform, you will receive a link to a credential form in order to complete this very important step in the pre-registration process. Completing this form in a timely manner will ensure that you and the members of your ensemble (if applicable), are pre-registered to attend the JEN Conference. All information must be received no later than the deadline of October 15th as requested, if you expect to be pre-registered and avoid standing in the registration lines upon arrival to the conference. There will be no exceptions to this deadline as per the recently established JEN Board directive.



GUIDELINES for ADVANCE PREPARATION of Specific Applications
 

CONFERENCE PERFORMANCE:

(REQUIRED INFORMATION to complete an application in this category)

• Contact Information of person submitting the application and the leader/director of the ensemble

• Ensemble Information

• Upload a short description (max 50 words) related to your ensemble’s performance
• UPLOAD three audio files in mp3 format. Files MUST be in an mp3 format to be accepted by the system.
  • NOTE: Each audio file should be no longer than seven minutes in length and the file size should be smaller than 6 megabytes.
  • Please label your audio files as follows: Your School/Ensemble Name_1.mp3 

• Identify any backline needs such as piano, guitar amp, etc.
• Upload a LOW RES ensemble photo (under 2mb) to be used on the JEN website and in electronic media in promotion of the event.
  • NOTE: Photo should be UNDER 2 mg.
• Upload a STAGE PLOT related to your ensemble
• Acceptance of Terms – As conference performer(s), you will be asked to agree to stay in the conference hotel unless you are commuting from home. NOTE: Once you are invited to present a clinic, you will be asked to confirm your acceptance of the invitation and will be asked to provide a registration confirmation number from the conference hotel in order to verify you have complied with this important facet of the process. Compliance with this agreement ensures the organization remains financially stable, and allows JEN to reach the hotel imposed attrition rate related to the conference contract, which in turn provides JEN with the hotel event space to present the annual conference, thereby keeping the costs associated with conference production down.
• Acceptance of Terms – Expense to be borne by individual or sponsoring organization

• Acceptance of Terms – permission to use name and likeness in promotion of the event and for future conference and JEN events

Performance Application may be submitted in the following categories:

• Traditional
  
• Swing
  
• BeBop
  
• Hard Bop
  
• Cool
  
• Fusion
  
• ECM
  
• Neo-Bop
  
• Free
  
• Latin Jazz
  
• Other Jazz Related or Jazz Influenced Genres

 Click here to access the:

 Conference Performance Application

CONFERENCE CLINIC or RESEARCH Applications:


(REQUIRED INFORMATION to complete an application in the CLINIC/RESEARCH Categories)

• Contact Information
for the person submitting the application and the clinician 
• Clinic Title
 as it will appear in print
  
• Upload a short description (max 50 words) related to your ensemble’s performance 
• Designate the format of your clinic: i.e. lecture, panel discussion, demonstration group required, etc.
  
• Designate the Type of clinic you will be presenting: i.e. improvisation, arranging, composition, specific instrument, vocal, etc.

  
• Designate your audio/visual requirements
  
• Designate any backline needs such as piano, guitar amp, etc.
  
• UPLOAD a Clinic Outline: Proposals should be double-spaced, font size 12 pt., maximum one page/minimum 100 words

  
• Letter/bio detailing where you have presented in the past: Maximum of 100 words, with optional web site link being provided in lieu of the bio.

  
• Upload a LOW RES clinician photo (under 2mb) to be used on the JEN website and in electronic media.
  
  • Photo should be UNDER 2 mg
• Acceptance of Terms – As a conference presenter, you will be asked to agree to stay in the conference hotel unless you are commuting from home. NOTE: Once you are invited to perform, you will be asked to confirm your acceptance of the invitation and will be asked to provide a registration confirmation number from the conference hotel in order to verify you have complied with this important facet of the process. Compliance with this agreement ensures the organization remains financially stable, and allows JEN to reach the hotel imposed attrition rate related to the conference contract, which in turn provides JEN with the hotel event space to present the annual conference, thereby keeping the costs associated with conference production down.
  
• Acceptance of Terms – Expense to be borne by individual
or sponsoring organization
  
• Acceptance of Terms – Permission to use name and likeness in promotion of the event and for future conference and JEN events

Application Types may include:
Applications are encouraged in a diversity of styles, genres, topics including but not limited to:

• World Music Styles (Brazilian, Cuban, Cajun, etc…)
  
• Contemporary Styles (current combinations with funk, hiphop, classical, rock, etc…)
  
• Music Theory (Substitution techniques/harmony, chord/scale theories, rhythm/meter, melodic styles, etc…)
  
• Technology (using software/ hardware as tools for teaching/ learning/ creating, etc…)
  
• Music Industry (promotions, career building, labels/distribution, presenting, management, publications, media, etc…)
  
• Miscellaneous (social issues – current and historic: gender, race, location, and the like)
  
• Research Topics related to any and all of the above
  
• *Specific Research Papers and Poster Projects related to the subjects of Jazz Audience Engagement:

1. Presenting & Producing Jazz Events– (proven or experimental ways to engage audiences (students, administrators, ticket buyers, donors, artists, producers/presenters, board members) by using jazz as a vehicle for networking and connecting in personally meaningful ways.)
   
2. Marketing/Messaging About Jazz Events – (proven or experimental ways to write better copy and use different image to engage audiences)
   
3. Venus for Jazz – (ways to provide different kinds of experiences with jazz, based on alternative venues beyond traditional theatres)

*Click here to read more detail relating to submitting topics to the: 

Jazz Audience Engagement Research category. 

 Click here to access the:

 Conference Clinic/Research Application

JENerations JAZZ FESTIVAL (NEW in 2013!):

• Participants are accepted on a first-come first-served basis
• No audio submission required
• Open to all age groups

JEN is pleased to announce the inaugural JENerations Jazz Festival held in conjunction with the annual JEN Conference. Over 600 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community and college musicians of all ages will participate in this exciting weekend of jazz!

In addition to having access to all the incredible clinics and concerts associated with the JEN Conference, participating combos, big bands, and vocal jazz ensembles will perform and receive feedback from world-class clinicians featuring many of today’s biggest names in jazz.

This year (2013 in Atlanta, GA):

• Ray Smith from Brigham Young University will work with all big bands
• Connaitre Miller from Howard University will work with all vocal groups
• and all combo participants will receive feedback from the 3-time Grammy-winning saxophonist of the Dave Matthews Band and Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Jeff Coffin. 
• In addition to this amazing line-up of clinicians every group will also receive feedback from a surprise celebrity guest!

This is an incredible opportunity for schools throughout the world to celebrate America’s true art form, rub shoulders with today’s hottest jazz talent, and have an educational experience they will never forget. Space is extremely limited, so reserve your spot today!  

Participation Fees:

• Registration for groups of 1-9 members is $100 + a $20 Participant Fee for each ensemble member
  

• Registration for groups of 10+ members is $175 + a $20 Participant Fee for each ensemble member

NOTE: The registration and participant fee includes a badge which provides FULL ACCESS to the entire JEN Conference. Schools may apply to submit as many ensembles as they wish. However, a separate application must be completed for each ensemble. A $20 participation fee will be charged for each student member of an ensemble. Students who play in multiple ensembles from the same school will be charged an additional $20 participation fee for each ensemble in which they perform.  



(REQUIRED INFORMATION to complete an application in this category)

• Contact Information

• Ensemble Information Upload a short description (max 50 words) related to your ensemble’s participation
• Designate any backline needs such as piano, guitar amp, etc.
• (Optional) Upload a LOW RES ensemble photo (under 2mb) to be used on the JEN website and in electronic media in promotion of the event.
• Upload a STAGE PLOT related to your ensemble
• Acceptance of Terms – As conference performer(s), you will be asked to agree to stay in the conference hotel unless you are commuting from home. NOTE: Once you are invited to participate, you will be asked to confirm your acceptance of the invitation and will be asked to provide a registration confirmation number from the conference hotel in order to verify you have complied with this important facet of the process. Compliance with this agreement ensures the organization remains financially stable, and allows JEN to reach the hotel imposed attrition rate related to the conference contract, which in turn provides JEN with the hotel event space to present the annual conference, thereby keeping the costs associated with conference production down.
• Acceptance of Terms – Expense to be borne by individuals or sponsoring institution
• Acceptance of Terms – Permission to use name and likeness in promotion of the event and for future conference and JEN events

APPLICATION TYPES may include any style of music, including:

• Traditional
  
• Swing
  
• BeBop
• Hard Bop
• Cool
• Fusion
• ECM
• Neo-Bop
• Free
• Latin Jazz
• Rock
• Funk
• R&B
• Other 

  Click here to access the:

 JENerations Jazz Festival Application