🎶 FREE WORKSHOP FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS 🎶

The ColaJazz Foundation’s Band Director Academy is a FREE, one-day training designed to help music teachers confidently bring jazz into their classrooms. Any teacher can attend for FREE! Whether you teach science, math, history, dance, art, etc. you'll get something great out of this opportunity.

This hands-on workshop will equip you with practical tools and creative strategies to bring jazz into your classroom with confidence. From improvisation techniques and ensemble rehearsal tactics to resource fairs and lightning labs, you’ll gain fresh approaches to inspire your students and strengthen your program. One day of training can spark a lifetime of impact.

With expert and seasoned leaders in the field of Jazz and Jazz eduction, you'll experience an engaging, informative and fun day of talks, performances, practical applications, resources and more. You will walk away equipped to better teach, lead and build your jazz program.

Highlights include:

Expert-led breakout sessions for band directors
Live rehearsal clinics covering count-offs, feel, and endings
Big Band tactics for rhythm section set-ups, phrasing, and reading
Improvisation workshop to help unlock creativity in your students
A resource fair

You’ll leave with ready-to-use tools, valuable connections, and renewed inspiration to empower the next generation of musicians.

CLINCIANS INCLUDE

Dr. Mitch Butler, William-Patterson University
Ronnie Ward, Westview Middle School (Goose Creek)
Mark Yost, Riverwalk Academy
Nicholas Vlandis, Jazz Educator
Xavier Breaker, SC State University
Sam Edwards, Director of Jazz Education, ColaJazz
Mark Rapp, Executive Director, ColaJazz

🕘 SAMPLE SCHEDULE

8:30–9:00 | Check-In & Coffee
Grab a cup and connect! 🎶 Our house rhythm section will be warming up to set the vibe.

9:00–9:15 | Welcome & Kickoff

9:15–10:15 | Panel Discussion

10:30–11:30 | Breakout Sessions

🎼 A1: Middle School Band
🎼 A2: High School Band

11:45–12:30 | Demystify the Rhythm Section

12:30–1:30 | Lunch & Resource Fair

1:30–2:30 | Clinic: Jazz Band Rehearsal Tactics

2:45–3:15 | Lightning Labs
⚡ Groove Warm-Ups
⚡ Tech Tools

3:30–4:30 | Improvisation Clinic
Interactive improv deep-dive.

4:45–5:00 | Wrap-Up & Networking
Certificates awarded + time to connect with peers.

Contact the host of Band Director Academy

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