Each year, Music for All sponsors the JENerations Jazz Festival, an educational performance opportunity that is part of the annual Jazz Education Network Conference (JEN). More than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community, and college musicians of all ages participate in this exciting weekend of jazz each year! In addition to having access to all the incredible clinics and concerts associated with the JEN Conference, JENerations Jazz Festival participating combos, big bands, and vocal jazz ensembles perform and receive a clinic session with world-class clinicians featuring many of today’s biggest names in jazz.
Every January, a team from Music for All spends four days working behind the scenes providing announcers, stagehands, equipment movement, and logistics support to this amazing hidden gem of jazz education. Below the staff share their favorite moments and reasons why they support this partnership.
Meredith –
This is my first year participating in the JEN Conference. Having a background in vocal jazz, I was thrilled to be asked to join the Music for All team as they assist the Jazz Education Network in creating such an outstanding resource and opportunity for young jazz performers, much like me at that age. I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of learning opportunities I have had in these clinics and performances and have enjoyed expanding my own knowledge and education. It is inspiring to me to see such passion for jazz within this age group and to be a part of that journey for them.
Mark –
I am honored to be a part of the JENerations Jazz Festival 2025. Watching young jazz musicians learn and grow from one another is electric and reignites an ongoing passion for music with all of us. It is Music for All’s mission to create, provide, and expand positive life-changing experiences through music.
We spend a lot of time with marching bands and concert bands but not many jazz students. This festival allows us the chance to provide “positively life-changing experiences” with a broader variety of students. It is a great opportunity to create connections between students, educators, and professionals bringing the jazz community closer in new and exciting ways.
Andy –
Joining the incredible team putting on JEN and JENerations each year is always an amazing experience for me. Interacting with so many wonderful educators and seeing their different approaches to clinics is exciting and it’s a blast to witness the level of talent shown by all the young ensembles that perform during the Festival.
Sam-
Giving up my time in the office to be on-site at the JENerations Jazz Festival annually is an experience I cherish. Being able to partner with an organization that is so impactful to jazz communities nationwide is important. I love being able to help run a festival that reaches a different genre of music.
Jess –
Coming to JEN at the start of the year reinvigorates my passion for music and music education. Beyond the stage, the parents who attend with their students are very excited to support the students at every turn. Getting to connect with families and musicians of all ages in the expo hall is one of my favorite parts. Hearing people share their experiences and cultures through jazz music is such a unique experience.
Laura –
I love that we can support a partner organization and share our expertise and skills with them to provide these musical experiences. The level of the students performing at JJF always amazes me and reminds me that there is so much good work happening in schools, teaching young people about jazz.
Music for All plans to be back again next year to continue celebrating jazz and jazz education. Registration for the festival opens April 1. For more information on the JENerations Jazz Festival, visit https://jazzednet.org/jenerations-jazz-festival/