SISTERS IN JAZZ

sisters in jazz

Congratulations to the 2024 Sisters in Jazz Selectees!

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SISTERS IN JAZZ

COLLEGIATE COMBO COMPETITION

 

APPLICATIONS OPEN

APRIL 14 – OCTOBER 15

In an effort to support JEN’s overall commitment to represent and cultivate diversity and inclusion in jazz, the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Women in Jazz Committee re-established the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo Competition. Through this exemplary program, full-time university students identifying as young women or non-binary jazz artists ages 18-29 will audition and be selected to perform in the Sisters in Jazz quintet.

Applicants must be JEN members in order to apply.

Not a member?

photo credit René Huemer & Cherie Hansson

2024 Sisters in Jazz Director

BRIA SKONBERG

2024 Sisters in Jazz Selectees will rehearse and receive feedback from this year’s director, Bria Skonberg.
The quintet will prepare two charts to premier at the 15th annual JEN Conference in New Orleans, LA, January 3-6, 2024.

photo credit Krista Stucchio, Dario Acosta

Born in British Columbia, Canada and now residing in New York City, Bria Skonberg has been a featured artist at hundreds of festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Kobe, Monterey, Breda, Newport and Montreal Jazz Festivals. Described as “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal), she has performed with Jon Batiste, Wycliffe Gordon, Stephane Wrembel, Steven Bernstein, U2 & Sun Ra Arkestra, The American Pops and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras, The Blacksmiths “We Insist” Band, and once sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden for a NY Rangers game.  The “shining hope of hot jazz” (NY Times) has been at the forefront of a revival of classic American music as both a performer and educator, programming concerts and workshops for students of all ages. 

 

A 3x Juno Award Nominee, Bria’s debut LP on Sony Masterworks won for Best Jazz Vocal Album and made the Top 5 on Billboard jazz charts.  Bria has recorded on over 25 albums and recently released her sixth studio solo album “Nothing Never Happens” consisting of mostly original compositions; Her music has garnered over 13 million streams online and over 85000 social media followers. A 6x Downbeat Rising Star, further accolades include the Jazz at Lincoln Center Swing Award, Best Vocal and Best Trumpet from Hot House Jazz Magazine and Outstanding Jazz Artist at the Bistro Awards.  She tours constantly bringing her own signature sounds of fiery trumpet playing, smoky vocals and story-telling together with adventurous concoctions of classic and new. 

 

The daughter of teachers, Bria is passionate about education and the learning experience. She was introduced to jazz by a spirited public school band program and local festival in her hometown of Chilliwack. She earned her degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance from Capilano University in Vancouver where she studied with Kevin Elaschuk, Alan Matheson, and independently with Australian cornetist Simon Stribling, all while balancing a full road schedule and managing two bands.

 

Following graduation she performed for four years with Canada’s King of Swing Dal Richards, and was taken under the wing of music producer Paul Airey who cultivated her love of song writing. She traveled extensively, performing in China, Japan and throughout Europe as a featured artist in traditional jazz circles.

 

Seeking new challenges, Bria moved to New York in 2010 and studied privately with renowned trumpeter Warren Vache for two years. She now appears often as a guest faculty member and clinician, giving masterclasses and private instruction as well as directing and performing with student ensembles at all levels. Bria is a Co-Founder/Director of the NY Hot Jazz Camp and has served as faculty at the Teagarden Jazz Camp (Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation), Centrum Jazz Camp, Geri Allen Jazz Camp and Junior Jazz Academy (JALC). She has performed hundreds of educational concerts and workshops for students of all ages, has led an ensemble for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Jazz for Young People”outreach program and is an Educational Advisor to the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens.  She has been an Artist in Residence collaborating with Syracuse University, Ball State University, UNC Greensborough, Jazz Arts Group in Columbus, Cape May Regional Schools, and more. 

 

In 2018, Lincoln Center sought out her leadership for a tribute to the first integrated all female big band, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, which launched her acclaimed group Sisterhood of Swing. In 2019, she was a featured member of Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour for 26 dates alongside Cecile McLorin Salvant, Christian Sands, Melissa Aldana and Jamison Ross. 

 

She is an active member of the Women in Jazz Organization, Jazz Education Network, a Bach Conn-Selmer artist, a board member of the International Trumpet Guild, and a new mother.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15

Sisters in Jazz alumnae include such renowned artists as
Sara Caswell, Dawn Clement, Anat Cohen, Anne Drummond, Rosana Eckert, Tia Fuller,
Linda May Han Oh, Tina Raymond, Chihiro Yamanaka, and many more.

 
AND NOW, YOUR NAME CAN BE ADDED TO THE LIST.

All applicants must be:

  • A full-time college student, concurrently taking a minimum of 12 undergraduate hours or six graduate hours
  • A JEN Full Individual or eJEN Member

All applicants must submit the following by October 15th:

1. An application (submitted through getAcceptd.com)

2. Recording Submission: Preferred format mp3 (M4A or wav files also accepted)

  • Four individual audio recording files of your best playing, total recording time not to exceed 25 minutes. (Video recordings not accepted.):
    • a ballad
    • a medium-tempo blues (swing)
    • an up-tempo rhythm changes tune (swing)
    • a straight eighth tune (Latin, rock, funk, or original composition)
  • Vocalists and horn players:  play the head, take several choruses of solo and take the head out.
  • Pianists, bassists and guitarists: comp the changes or walk a chorus before soloing if not also accompanying a horn or vocal soloist and demonstrating those abilities. Using an existing recording that is not specifically in this format will be also be accepted, however.
  • Drummers: Everyone should play “Now’s the Time” as the blues selection and play the melody orchestrated around the set on the head in and out. Blues and rhythm changes should include trading 4s or full chorus solos. One tune, either blues or rhythm changes should include time playing with brushes as well as sticks.  If some individual tracks are longer and include several soloists, indicate on the application at what time trading or solo choruses begin on those tracks.

3. One letter of recommendation 

  • You will submit the email address of one recommender in your application.
  • Upon submission of the application, they will receive an email with a link to upload the letter on your behalf to Acceptd.

4. A bio, resume, or CV listing pertinent musical experiences.

5. A headshot or photo

  • File should be print quality (high).
  • File types accepted include: jpg, gif, and png.
  • Label your photo file as follows: LastNameFirstNameJENSIJPhoto

6. An official copy of college transcript or other proof of concurrent full-time enrollment in an accredited college, university, or conservatory (a minimum of 12 undergraduate or six graduate hours)

2024 sisters in jazz selectees

GIANNA PEDREGON

University of the Pacific

JEONGMIN HA

University of North Texas

NANAMI HARUTA

Michigan State University

MARION MALLARD

DePaul University

MARIA MARMAROU

Temple University

past sisters in jazz selectees

2023

  • Destiny Diggs-Pinto – Bass
  • Holly Channell – Drumset
  • Kal Ferretti – Trumpet
  • Lana Drincic – Piano
  • Charlotte Lang – Sax

2022

  • Molly Redfield – Bass
  • Carmen Murray – Drumset
  • Stephanie Tateiwa – Sax
  • Yeeun Kim – Piano
  • Summer Camargo – Trumpet

2021

  • Jordyn Davis – Bass
  • Minnie Jordan – Violin
  • Megan Lock – Drums
  • Alexandra Ridout – Trumpet
  • Yvonne Rogers – Piano
  • Samantha Spear – Sax

2020

  • Domi Edson – Bass
  • Misaki Nakamichi – Drums
  • Maya Keren – Piano
  • Kate Williams – Trumpet
  • Zahria Sims – Saxophone

2019

  • Colleen Clark – Drums
  • Sarah Hanahan – Alto Saxophone
  • Summer Kodama – Bass
  • Marion Powers – Voice
  • Franchesca Romero – Piano

2009-2018

  • The Jazz Education Network (JEN), founded in 2008, formed the Women in Jazz Committee in 2018, and re-established the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo Competition.
 

2008

  • Ashley Baker – Alto Sax
  • Christie Dashiell – Voice
  • Judith Goldbach – Bass
  • Julia Brav – Piano
  • Shirazette Tinnin – Drums

2007

  • Chelsea Baratz – Tenor Sax
  • Sharel Cassity – Alto, Soprano Sax
  • Vanessa McGowan – Bass
  • Mika Nishimura- Piano
  • Tina Raymond – Drums

2006

  • Misty Boyce – Piano
  • Caroline Davis – Alto Sax
  • Lauren Falls – Bass
  • Melissa Gardiner – Trombone
  • Lorie Wolf – Drums

2005

  • Lakecia Benjamin – Alto Sax
  • Jacquelyn Coleman – Trumpet
  • Delandria Mills – Flute
  • Hanne Pulli – Drums
  • Maeve Royce – Bass
  • Carmen Staaf – Piano

2004

  • Ariel Alexander – Alto, Soprano Sax
  • Brenda Earle – Piano
  • Maria Joyner – Drums
  • Linda Oh – Bass
  • Janelle Reichman – Tenor Sax

2003

  • Kara Baldus – Piano
  • Elizabeth Goodfellow – Drums
  • Nicole Johaenntgen – Alto, Soprano Sax
  • Jennifer Krupa – Trombone
  • Ashley Summers – Bass

2002

  • Renee Marie Cruz – Bass
  • Alyssa Falk – Drums
  • Becky Noble – Alto Sax
  • Tineke Postma – Alto Sax
  • Daniela Schaechter – Piano

2001

  • Airelle Besson – Trumpet
  • Laila Biali – Piano
  • Karine Chapdelaine – Bass
  • Tara Davidson – Alto, Soprano Sax
  • Sandra Hempel – Guitar
  • Kimberly Thompson – Drums

2000

  • Brandi Disterheft – Bass
  • Anne Drummond – Flute
  • Lisa Kelly Scott – Voice
  • Karen Teperberg – Drums
  • Chihiro Yamanaka – Piano

1999

  • Rosana Calderon Eckert – Voice
  • Rachel Eckroth – Piano
  • Tia Fuller – Alto Sax
  • Karin Harris – Trombone
  • Erin Marie Roberts – Bass
  • Angie Tabor – Drums

1998

  • Sara Caswell – Violin
  • Dawn Clement – Piano
  • Anat Cohen – Tenor Sax, Clarinet
  • Loraine Faina – Drums
  • Jodi Proznick – Bass

program coordinatorS

Sisters in Jazz Program Coordinator

ELLEN ROWE

 

Ellen Rowe, jazz pianist and composer, is currently Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan. Prior to her appointment in Michigan, she served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut.
Ms. Rowe has performed at jazz clubs and on concert series throughout the U.S., as well as touring in Europe, South Africa and Australia. CDs out under her own name include “Sylvan Way”, “Wishing Well”, “Denali Pass” and “Courage Music.” Her latest project, “Momentum – Portraits of Women In Motion”, featuring Ingrid Jensen, Tia Fuller, Marion Hayden and Allison Miller was released to widespread critical acclaim in January 2019. The “Momentum” band will be featured at the 2022 Jazz Education Network Conference. Also active as a clinician, she has given workshops and master classes at the Melbourne Conservatory, Hochshule fur Musik in Cologne, Grieg Academy in Bergen and the Royal Academy of Music in London, in addition to many appearances as a guest artist at festivals and Universities around the country.
When not leading her own small groups, she is in demand as a sideman, having performed with a wide variety of artists including Kenny Wheeler, Tim Ries, Frank Morgn, Tom Harrell, John Clayton, Ingrid Jensen and Steve Turre. She was also a guest on two installments of Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” on National Public Radio.
Ms. Rowe’s compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by jazz ensembles and orchestras around the world, including the Village Vanguard Orchestra, BBC Jazz Orchestra, U.S. Navy Commodores, Berlin and NDR Radio Jazz Orchestras, London Symphony, DIVA and the Perth Jazz Orchestra. Many of these works can be heard on recordings including “Leave It To DIVA”, “The Perth Jazz Orchestra”, “Bingo” (The Bird of Paradise Orchestra) and “I Believe In You” (DIVA). A recipient of jazz ensemble commissions from the Minnesota Band Directors Association, Illinois Music Educators, Lawrence University’s Fred Sturm Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Education Network, her big band compositions are currently published by Sierra Music Publications, Doug Beach Music and Kendor Music.
Having been selected to conduct the NAfME All-Eastern and All-Northwest Jazz Ensembles as well as All-State jazz ensembles throughout the country, she has also been an invited clinician at the National Association for Music Education Eastern Division Convention, International Society for Jazz Composition and Arranging Symposium and Jazz Education Network conferences. She is on the Board of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers and also serves as the Coordinator for the JEN Sisters In Jazz Collegiate Combo Competition. Other activities include serving as an adjudicator and mentor for the JEN Young Composers Showcase, adjudicating the 2019 Kimmel Center Jazz Residencies and Lincoln Center Ertegun Hall of Fame. She also serves on the faculty of the NJPAC All-Female Jazz Residency in Newark, NJ. In 2017 she was named a UCROSS Composer Fellow and awarded a residency at the Leighton Artist Colony at the Banff Centre for the Arts.

Have questions? 
Contact Ellen
at
 [email protected].

SIJ Associate Coordinator

DR. COLLEEN CLARK

Founder and Artistic Director of the University of South Carolina’s Jazz Girls Day, Dr. Colleen Clark is an Assistant Professor of Jazz at the University of South Carolina where she teaches her drumset studio, jazz history and research courses, coordinates and coaches small ensembles, and conducts Swing Shift Big Band.

Clark can be heard playing on Michael Dease’s “The Other Shoe: The Music of Gregg Hill” (Origin), Allegra Levy’s “Lose My Number: The Music of John McNeil” (SteepleChase), and upcoming releases by Michael Dease and Matt White. Clark was invited by the ASCAP Foundation to lead her band, the Colleen Clark Collective, at the Kennedy Center. Her latest project, “CC + The Adelitas” performed to a packed house at the 2023 Jazz Education Network Conference and will be recording their debut album with 2x GRAMMY Award winning drummer and producer, Quentin E. Baxter serving as co-producer.

Clark is author of the frequently accessed (3,000+) dissertation: “The Evolution of the Ride Cymbal Pattern from 1917 to 1941: An Historical and Critical Analysis.” Dr. Clark is the only woman and drummer to earn a doctoral degree in jazz from the University of North Texas. Clark endorses: Zildjian, Vic Firth and Mono.

GIANNA PEDREGON

20-year-old violinist and composer Gianna Pedregon grew up in Whittier, CA, where she attended Orange County School of the Arts in the Jazz Studies conservatory. She currently attends University of the Pacific where she is part of the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors, formerly known as the Brubeck Institute. During high school, she was part of several honor groups, including the Monterey Next Generation Women In Jazz Combo, the NYO Jazz ensemble, and the Colburn Jazz Workshop. Gianna has performed at many events across the country, such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, at the Jazz Education Network conference, and the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. This past summer, she and the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors traveled overseas to Spain and France to play at the Jazzaldia and Jazz in Marciac festivals. She has also received numerous awards as a jazz soloist, including YoungArts and the Downbeat Student Music Awards. She has been mentored by and played with Melissa Aldana, Ashlin Parker, Cyrille Aimee, Terri Lyne Carrington, Glenn Zaleski, Carl Allen, Tamir Hendelman, and many more.

JEONGMIN HA

Jeongmin Ha is a jazz pianist originally from South Korea currently attending the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.

 

Jeongmin’s musical journey found its roots during her teenage years when she achieved recognition by winning the National Applied Music Competition hosted by Pai Chai University. Her venture into film music composition also yielded success, with her work as a music director for the short film “Ul-lim” earning top honors at the prestigious Czech Brno Youth Film Festival.

 

Jeongmin attended the Seoul Institute of the Arts in South Korea, focusing on contemporary music composition. There, she’s had the opportunity to direct and perform in various concerts.

 

Jeongmin’s journey took an international turn when she transferred to UNT. During her undergraduate years, she had the privilege of performing with notable ensembles such as the UNT Jazz Singers, Zebras, and the Five O’clock Lab Band. Her contributions to the UNT Jazz Singers can be heard on their 2023 album, “[I Carry Your Heart].”

 

After her graduation, Jeongmin was honored as a finalist in the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition in 2021. She returned to UNT in 2022 to pursue her master’s degree, continuing her musical journey as a member of the UNT Two O’clock Lab Band (2022-2023) and sharing her knowledge as a Teaching Fellow.

 

Jeongmin currently resides in Lewisville, Texas, where she remains an active performer and educator, contributing her musical talents to enrich the DFW area.

NANAMI HARUTA

Born in 2001 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, JAPAN, Nanami started playing classical piano at the age of 5, and at the age of 8 she joined her elementary school’s brass band, where she started playing the trombone and jazz. She started performing concerts in Sapporo when she was 13 years old. When she was 14 years old(2016), she participated in Hokkaido Groove Camp, won the grand prize called Berklee award, and went to Berklee College of Music to join 5-week Summer Performance Program the following year. When she was 17 years old(2019), she participated in the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp and won Most Outstanding Student Award. After moving to Tokyo in 2020, she has expanded her activities by participating in performances and recordings with Aaron Choulai Raw Denshi Sextet, Akihiro Yoshimoto group, and Shunské G & The Peas. In 2022, her first album “II” was released. She is currently a Full Time student in the Michigan State University Jazz Studies program studying with Michael Dease.

MARION SLY MALLARD

Chicago-based artist Marion Sly Mallard is a young and upcoming performing musician and composer. In addition to playing bass with musicians all over and around the city, Marion has many pursuits in the arts – composition, recording studio work, band-leading, music production/mixing, teaching, as well as photography. Originally from Decatur, IL, Marion grew up with music in her life in many forms. She has spent years studying upright and electric bass, as well as alto saxophone and piano, and has been recognized for her accomplishments doing so through various scholarships and awards. She has been ranked among the top young bassists in Illinois as she was named the top bassist in the Honors Big Band at the ILMEA All-State Jazz Division, and has been a recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for her musicianship. Marion moved to Chicago in 2020 to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies at the DePaul University School of Music, and to expand her artistry through many forms. Over the years, she has studied with many world-renowned musicians. Some of these musicians are those such as Marlene Rosenberg, Perry Rask, Lenard Simpson, Geof Bradfield, Dana Hall, Scott Hesse, Chris Nolte, Sharel Cassity, Dennis Carroll, Carlos Henriquez, and Clark Sommers. She is currently involved in many groups performing throughout the Chicago music scene, including those under her own name, as well as playing with world-renowned musicians such as Joel Ross. Marion is passionate in all her pursuits within the arts, and working toward many new collaborations.

MARIA MARMAROU

Maria Marmarou is a graduate student at Temple University, where she is studying jazz drum set performance. She has had the opportunity to perform with notable artists such as Joey DeFrancesco, Dick Oatts, Tim Warfield, Michael Dease, Steve Wilson, Walter Blanding, Kurt Elling, Rodney Whitacker, Helen Sung, Terell Stafford, Catharine Russell, and Carmen Bradford with the Count Basie Orchestra. Her Performances have taken her to renowned venues like Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Rose Hall, and the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Smalls, the MET in Philadelphia, Café Vivace, The Blue Llama, and Sibelius Academy. She was recently awarded the Earl Hines Outstanding Musician award at the Jack Rudin Collegiate competition.

charlotte lang

Swiss/Dutch saxophonist Charlotte Lang was born in 1996 in Basel and studied the bachelor and master program at the JAZZCAMPUS Basel under the guidance of Domenic Landolf and Daniel Blanc. She is currently studying the Master of Music in Global Jazz at the Berklee College of Music in Boston under the artistic direction of Danilo Pérez. In addition she is part of Terri Lyne Carrington’s Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice.

 

From 2015 to 2018, Charlotte she was a member of the Swiss National Youth Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Christian Muthspiel. Since 2020, she became a member of the German National Youth Jazz Orchestra (Bundesjazzorchester Deutschland), under the direction of Niels Klein and Ansgar Striepens. She also plays is the Austrian FJO (Frauen Jazz Orchester→Women Jazz Orchestra of Austria).

 

In 2021, Charlotte founded her own Quintet the „Charlotte Lang Group“, for what she is composing, arranging and booking. In the fall 2023, her first album will be recorded and hopefully released by a renowned label.

 

Charlotte plays in the “Swiss Jazz Orchestra” and the “Zurich Jazz Orchestra”, the two professional Big Bands of Switzerland.

Charlotte recently got the unique opportunity to write a monthly blog for the Swiss Jazz & Blues Magazine called JAZZTIME, to tell readers about her time at abroad and specifically her time at Berklee. Her graduate program lasts only until the summer of 2023. She hopes to stay in the United States to enlarge her network and build her musical career.