Band Director Academy

🎶 FREE WORKSHOP FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS 🎶

The ColaJazz Foundation’s Jazz Band Director Academy is a FREE, one-day training designed to help music teachers confidently bring jazz into their classrooms.

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.

🕘 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 | Live Demo Rehearsal & Reading Session

12:30–1:30 | Lunch & Resource Fair

1:30–2:30 | Clinic: Big 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.