As an organization, we operate with only one full-time staff member and a small number of part-time staff. Most of our annual and conference activities are handled by our dedicated volunteers. Each year, we look for dedicated members of the jazz community with a variety of skill sets to dedicate their time at the annual conference. YOU could be just what we’re looking for.
CONFERENCE part-time VOLUNTEERING guidelines
- In exchange for service, JEN provide volunteers with a FREE Conference registration badge
- Applications are for part-time conference volunteers.
- Membership in JEN is NOT required to volunteer.
- You must be 18 or older.
- A minimum of 16 total hours of volunteer service at the conference is required.
- Conference volunteers are required to check in at the Volunteer Desk daily.
- Part-time volunteers are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and other expenses.
- The conference volunteer application will close without notice as positions are filled.
- Volunteer applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Notification of acceptance and scheduling will take place beginning in late October.
2024 Conference Sponsors & Partners
PRODUCING SPONSOR
DownBeat Magazine (Maher Publications) produces the annual conference program and show guide as well as ongoing JEN member benefits year-round.
ASSOCIATE STAGE SPONSORS
The Preservation Hall Foundation serves as a fundamental pillar of the New Orleans music community. Make sure to participate in their Musical Heritage Story Quilt outside of the Exhibit Hall and do not miss their three clinic sessions led by local luminaries of Black American Music.
A JEN Charter Member organization, Berklee College of Music is a cooperative partner and fiscal sponsor of the annual John LaPorta Educator of the Year Award.
The Eastman School of Music supports the New Voices Stage in celebration of its new Jazz Voice degree led by Sara Gazarek within its Jazz and Contemporary Media program.
Yamaha Corporation of America provides invaluable concert piano, digital keyboard, and drumset resources for the performing and clinic venues of the Conference.
A JEN Founding Institution partner, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation is a fiscal sponsor of the ongoing JEN Research Fellowship.
The KHS America family of instrument brands led by Jupiter facilitate drumset and keyboard percussion resources for the performing and clinic venues of the Conference.
contributing research & reception sponsors
The integral Jazz Studies program at UNO proudly sponsors two of the Clinic venues for the Conference. Do not miss their session celebrating the Silverbook: Modern Jazz Masters of New Orleans, organized by the legendary Harold R. Battiste, Jr.
Join these powerhouse presenters of contemporary artists in celebration of JEN’s foundational members and charter organizations.
Join JazzWire in celebration of our exhibitors and look out for sessions marked “JazzWire Recommended Adult Learners” in the program show guide.
The dynamic jazz education and premier presenting organization of the Queen City celebrates the individual contributors that power JEN through their gifts each year.
Additional production and community partners
• New for 2024, the African American Jazz Caucus is hosting an official Marketplace of Black-owned or AAJC member-owned businesses, organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs. The AAJC is the official presenting partner of the Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award.
• The JENerations Jazz Festival is presented in partnership with Music for All.
• The New Orleans Jazz Museum is facilitating off-site partnered content at the Old U.S. Mint.
• The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is hosting an off-site Saturday Late-Night Pro Jam Session at the Jazz Market.
acknowledgements & thanks
The Jazz Education Network is grateful to all who help make our annual conference possible: JEN’s staff, the many dozens of volunteers, and Board of Directors, Casey Kruer Perez of the Hospitality Performance Network.
THANK YOU!
