New York IAJE News

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

NYS Band Directors Association

As you may know, the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) supports the operation of three (3) statewide honor bands which convene at an annual Symposium in Syracuse in March. The Middle School and High School Honor Concert Bands have been operating for several years. In 2006, NYSBDA successfully launched the High School Honor Jazz Ensemble. Bill Katz conducted the group, and it was a gas! In 2007, woodwind standout Chris Vadala conducted the Honor Jazz Ensemble as well as doing a feature spot with the Central New York Jazz Orchestra. The whole thing was smokin'! Jim Snidero is on tap to conduct for 2008. He will also be performing with the Jazz Knights of West Point. Looks like another cookin' event for all involved!

The selection of the High School Honor Jazz Ensemble is decided upon by a committee of NYSBDA Board members after their careful review of submitted applications, resumes, and NYSSMA Solo Sheets and/or recordings. Several students selected for this ensemble have gone on to be selected for the Conference All State Jazz Ensemble. Application deadline for the 2008 group is September 28, 2007. Applications can be found in The Band Stand or on-line at nysbda.org. For more information about the High School Honor Jazz Ensemble, contact Tim Savage, NYSBDA Honor Jazz Chair, at timsavag@twcny.rr.com.