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Newsletter 8-23-06  
IAJE Michigan
Communications


Hello Everyone:

I hope this Newsletter finds you well and enjoying the remains of summer.  Please let me reiterate my thoughts from last year that I continue to be overwhelmed by the kindness and energy of all of you and our organization.  It is truly because of you that we are making a difference in our state.  Whether you are a performer, educator, business professional, radio personality, aficionado, or someone interested in the music, I thank you.  On behalf of the Michigan officers, let me state once again that it is a pleasure for us to serve you and help you in our mutual quest to spread all things jazz throughout the state of Michigan.

In this Newsletter, I will revisit some familiar topics both new and old.

1.   New York
I am tremendously humbled by my recent election to the Executive Board of IAJE.  I returned two weeks ago from intensive meetings in New York City, and suffice it to say that we have an amazing organization.  There are many wonderful endeavors afoot, the most important being the Campaign for Jazz.  Please visit the International IAJE website and explore the link to the Campaign.  Keeping and funding Jazz and Jazz Education is an endeavor that we all believe in.  Please visit the site and participate as you see fit.  The future of this music depends upon it.  I am also pleased to inform you that we will once again have an amazing conference in NYC.  You will find more information about clinics, performers and registration in upcoming editions of Jazz Education Journal and from our website links.

2.   IAJE Reading Band, Jam Academy Stage, Detroit International Jazz Festival, 12 Noon, Sat, Sept. 2, 2006
The Detroit International Jazz Festival is next weekend and there are many great events to enjoy. Please check out the complete festival schedule by visiting our Web site home page.  On Saturday, September 2, at 12 Noon, the IAJE Michigan Reading Band will be performing at the Jam Academy Stage.  This band performs new published music and features some of Michigan’s finest jazz educators.  The purpose of the ensemble is to allow educators the opportunity to hear recently published music.  It is a great band and this promises to be an enjoyable session.  Stop by, listen, and afterwards meet with us and say hello.

Saxophones
Alto 1               Bob Nixon
Alto 2               Ernie Rodgers  
Tenor 1            Andrew Bishop
Tenor 2            Tony DiMaria
Bari                  Jon Montgomery
 
Trumpets
Lead                Randy Casteel
Tpt 2                Scott Cowan            
Tpt 3                Jimmy Leach
Tpt 4                Max Colley
Tpt 5                Virgil Rodgers
 
Trombones
Lead                Mike Rumbell
Tbn 2               Greg Lanzy
Tbn 3               Paul Brewer
Tbn 4               Glen Anderson
 
Rhythm Section
Piano                Danny Jordan
Bass                 Rich Kowalewski
Drums               Mike VanLente


3.   IAJE Michigan General Membership Meeting
2:30 PM, SAT, Sept. 2, 2006, Hotel Pontchartrain Lobby (directly across Jefferson Ave. from Hart Plaza)
Of great importance is the general membership meeting that will be held in the lobby of the Hotel Pontchartrain, 2:30 PM on Saturday.  Many important state related issues will be discussed, so I encourage you to attend.  The Michigan IAJE chapter will also be co-sponsoring student jazz scholarships once again at this years festival.  Please offer our great judges (Ernie Rodgers and Virgil Rodgers) thanks and encouragement if you happen to see them.  I will be at the festival all day on Saturday and would really like to get to know as many members as possible, so please stop by and say hello.


4.   IAJE Michigan Web Site
Please help our communications by following the easy-to-use navigation on the site and submit information about upcoming jazz education clinics, concerts, special events, etc.  We would like our site to be the entry point for anyone interested in jazz in the state.  I encourage you to pass on information about music education events, performances, festivals, jazz club locations, jazz support groups, etc., to any of our board members, and/or our webmaster.  Recommend the site to other jazz patrons you encounter.


5.   Membership
In previous Newsletters, I have listed a number several issues that we as a state need to address.  The following items continue to be of great importance to the state:

a)  Increase membership
This is an ongoing issue.  This of course is something we are all involved in.   The best way for our membership to increase is to have you (our membership) encourage other educators, professionals, aficionados, etc.  to join our great organization.  Encourage prospective members to check out our website (www.iajemichigan.com), give them back issues of the journal, and simply explain the many benefits of belonging to IAJE.  To my fellow educators - if you do not have a student chapter, encourage your students to develop one.  There are several options available to students.  I would be happy to assist you in this process in anyway.
    
b)  Increase interface with MSBOA, MENC and other education based organizations
 
c)  Become more active, visible, and accessible to membership and other organizations

d)  Be an exemplary unit as set-forth in the new state standards requirements
    
e)  Contact and solicit ideas from the membership
     
 f)  Increase overall activity of membership and board


I would once again like to thank each one of you for all that you do to keep jazz alive in Michigan.  I welcome any comments or suggestions.  Please do not hesitate to contact me.  See you in Detroit!

Peace,



Brian Coyle
IAJE Michigan President
Director of Jazz Studies – Hope College

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