AAJC Initiatives
Preserving the Legacy
Each of the following initiatives is dedicated to our mission of preserving the legacy of jazz. With these programs and events, our goal is to celebrate the cultural heritage and historic contributions to the development and perpetuation of jazz music from the people of the African diaspora
Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award
The Griot emerged from West African traditions as a storyteller, historian, chronicler, and keeper of the timeline. The Griot, in short, remembers through word and song all of the important events and experiences of a particular community. The Griot holds sacred the collective memory of a community preserving it for future generations.
For more information about the Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award Click here.
Charlie Parker Centennial Exhibit
Dr. James H. Patterson, Distinguished Professor at Clark Atlanta University, Parker Exhibit Chairperson, lead a team to present the Charlie Parker Centennial Exhibit at the 2020 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, LA.
Committee Members included Dr. James Patterson, Dr. Jason Hainsworth, Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin, and 2020 Jazz Griot Stephen Foster.
For More information, Click here.
Promoting the Jazz In the Present
Each of the following initiatives is dedicated to our mission of promoting jazz in the present. With these programs and events, our goal is to bring attention to the artists, educators, and institutions that are actively perpetuating cultural heritage and performance of jazz.
HBCU/PBI Performance Spotlight
Each year the Jazz Education Network Conference, a Historically Black College and University or Predominately Black Institution (academic or community-based), is selected to perform for the AAJC HBCU/PBI Spotlight Performance. Performances have included special guest performances such as Kirk Whalum, Antonio Hart, James Rivers, and Jermaine Bazzle. Click here for more information.
Creating Networks
Members of the AAJC have access to a membership database and interactive Event Calendar to aid in working with artists and educators around the country on collaborative projects.
AAJC Newsletter
The AAJC Newsletter is sent quarterly to members. Upcoming events, performances, member spotlights, and other relative news.
Preparing the Future of Jazz
Each of these initiatives is dedicated to our mission of preparing the future of jazz. With these programs and events, our goal is to actively perpetuate jazz's cultural heritage and performance through intentional audience engagement, community service, and mentorship and outreach.
AAJC/JEN Mentor Meetup
Each year at the Jazz Education Network Conference, students of African diaspora have the opportunity to meet and network with industry and academic professionals.
For more photos from past events, click here.
All-Star youth jazz orchestra
Our impactful initiative is the All-Star Youth Orchestra, which engages internationally recognized music educators and musicians to mentor select high school jazz ensemble members. It includes 1-to-1 mentorship, a half-day workshop, and a culminating concert. The inaugural AAJC New Orleans All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra had students from six high schools in New Orleans and eleven mentors.