Dear JEN Family,
As the dust settles on the incredible 2024 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This year’s event wasn’t just a conference; it was a landmark moment in our organization’s history, shattering conference records and solidifying our role as the premier network for jazz education globally.
From reuniting with colleagues in the halls of the Hyatt Regency to the electrifying evening performances and the sold out expanded JENerations Jazz Festival, your participation and dedication fueled an unforgettable week. It was indeed “About a Feeling”, with just under 4,000 attendees representing 15 countries, 46 states and 5 Canadian provinces, our largest Jazz Education Network conference to date. These figures are remarkable, but the beauty lies in the new and continued relationships forged, the information shared, and the energy ignited between students and educators, artists, exhibitors, and partners.
No matter your role as an educator presenting a clinic, a student performing in the JENerations Jazz festival, or an aficionado taking in the music, your participation mattered. Each moment, from the recognition of our numerous 2024 award recipients on opening night to the Saturday evening closing performances, this highly anticipated event helped to serve our mission of advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences.
I wasn’t surprised, but nonetheless overwhelmed, by the outpouring of positive feedback this year. (Thank you to everyone who completed our post conference survey.) The success of the 2024 conference is a real testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and esteemed presenters and partners. The support and participation of many New Orleans attendees, musicians and new sponsors also contributed to the success of our milestone gathering. To each one of you, I extend my sincerest gratitude. However, the success of this conference wasn’t merely measured in numbers or accolades. You, our members, are the heart and soul of JEN, and you have demonstrated once again, your absolute dedication and commitment to jazz education.
As we move forward, with momentum from this event, let’s keep the energy flowing, as we continue with the exciting launch of the Jazz Education Foundation in the coming months. Please be on the lookout for more information on this exciting new organization that will help to further propel and support jazz education. Together, we will ensure that jazz continues to evolve, inspire, and enrich lives for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Lonnie Davis
President, Jazz Education Network
P.S. Mark your calendars! The 2025 JEN Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 8th to 11th. We can’t wait to create another unforgettable experience with you!
