The mission of the International Association for Jazz Education is to assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education. As a part of that mission, the Association initiates programs which nurture and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage, provide leadership to educators regarding curricula and performance, assist teachers and practitioners with information and resources, and take an active part in organizing clinics, festivals and symposia at local, regional, national and international levels. Founded in the United States in 1968 as the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE), the organization formally changed its name to the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) in 1989 to more accurately reflect its membership base and global commitment to jazz education.

To Our New York State Chapter Members:

You undoubtedly have heard of the debt restructuring of IAJE. Be assured that our NY Chapter is and has always been well-managed, solvent, and dedicated to supporting jazz education activities for all of our members.

Because of the demise of IAJE we are suspending normal activities of our NY State chapter until such time as a newly restructured organization is formed. The slate of New York State IAJE officers on board as of April 18, 2008, the date that IAJE filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, has agreed to remain on-call and serve as needed in the reconstitution of a viable Jazz Education advocacy organization for our state as it emerges. Our website will remain active and serve as a source of information during this process.

Most sincerely,

Paul Evoskevich, President
PaulE@strose.edu

Bret Zvacek, Past-President
zvacekbr@potsdam.edu

Matthew Cremisio, Vice President
CremMatt@SHENET.ORG

Gerry Zaffuts, President-Elect
gzaffuts@hotmail.com

Larry Luttinger, Executive Treasurer
lluttin1@twcny.rr.com

Kevin Dorsey, Treasurer
kevindorseymusic@verizon.net

Michael Carbone, Secretary
mcarbone@stny.rr.com