UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar

(This page has been updated as of December 3, 2018)

Registration will open on December 4, 2018 at https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusicworkshops

The 4th Annual UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar will be held on the campus of the University of North Texas from Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22, 2019.

The seminar will be led by UNT Director of Vocal Jazz, Jennifer Barnes, and co-taught by the highly-lauded Director of Choral & Vocal Jazz Ensembles Janice Vlachos from Fairview High School (Fairview, Colorado). The seminar will be packed full of content relevant to high school and college-level teachers who either are already working with students on vocal jazz or are considering starting vocal jazz with their students, with topics to include:

  • Working with rhythm sections (with special attention given to drum set and bass)
  • Choosing repertoire
  • Sound reinforcement
  • Rehearsal techniques unique to vocal jazz
  • Audition methods
  • Warm-ups and exercises to improve your ensemble's musicianship

Every attendee will come away with materials to take home and apply to their teaching immediately. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered, if desired, for a nominal fee. Attendees will also have the option of staying for the Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop at the conclusion of the seminar for even MORE immersion in all things vocal jazz!

Enrollment will be limited to 20 educators on a first-come, first-served basis in order to guarantee hands-on experience, and is limited to current or aspiring educators (college students welcome) over age 18.

TRAVEL & SCHEDULE

Out-of-town participants should plan to arrive by Thursday afternoon, June 20. Those who fly can choose either DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport) or DAL (Dallas-Love Field).  Participants may use Uber/Lyft or an airport shuttle service to make the approximately 45-minute commute from either airport to the Denton area.  For those participants staying for the Workshop, an airport shuttle will be offered for a nominal fee for the return trip (only).

The schedule for the seminar will be as follows (subject to change):

THURSDAY, JUNE 20
4:30 p.m. REGISTRATION
5:00 p.m. SEMINAR BEGINS
7:30 p.m. DINNER (on your own, but most go to a local restaurant together, for “fellowship”!)
 
FRIDAY, JUNE 21
9:00 a.m. SEMINAR BEGINS
12:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
1:45 p.m. SEMINAR CONTINUES
5:30 p.m. DINNER BREAK
7:00 p.m. SEMINAR CONTINUES
8:30 p.m. BREAK FOR THE EVENING
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
9 a.m. SEMINAR CONTINUES
12:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
1:45 p.m. SEMINAR CONTINUES
6:00 p.m. SEMINAR CONCLUDES
 
Anyone wishing to stay for the UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop (beginning Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m.) will complete a combined registration on Acceptd, with a reduced tuition (see below).
 
HOUSING
We have single-room lodging (in a suite with a shared bath) available in Honors Hall, the newest dormitory on UNT's campus and a short, 2-block walk from the music building.  There are several nearby hotels in the Denton area at various price points as well.
 
MEALS
A meal plan is offered ONLY during the Workshop week, for 15 meals (breakfast Monday through dinner Friday).  All meals are on your own during the Seminar.

FEES (see the Acceptd registration page for most complete and updated fee information)

  • Tuition: $350
  • "Early Bird" Tuition if registered and paid by April 1: $300
  • Combined tuition for the Educator Seminar PLUS the 6-day Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop immediately following the seminar: $795
  • “Early Bird” combined tuition for Seminar PLUS Workshop, if registered and paid by April 1: $745 ($50 discount)
  • Continuing Education Units Certificate: $15
  • Parking Pass:  $10
  • Housing (including linens): 
    • Checking in Thursday, June 20 - checking out Saturday, June 22:  $70
    • Checking in Thursday, June 20 - checking out Friday, June 28:  $280
    • $38 for additional nights after either the Seminar or Workshop (checking out by 10 a.m. either Sunday, June 23 or Saturday, June 29)
  • 3 Meal-per-day Meal Plan (during Workshop ONLY):  $120
  • T-shirt (for Workshop ONLY):  $15
  • Return shuttle to the airport on Saturday, June 29 (for those staying for the Workshop ONLY):  $25

Full refunds less a 2.9% + $0.30 credit card processing fee and initial Acceptd application fee of $20 will be honored until May 20 when registration closes. After that date, no refunds will be made. No refunds will be made if a participant is dismissed from the workshop for violating UNT policy or workshop rules explained on the first day of the workshop.

TESTIMONIALS:

"Hey Vocal Jazz Educators! Just letting you know that the UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar was fantastic! Nice two-day workshop, low stress, high interest sessions, great people to learn from and with! TONS of helpful information, methods, and thought-provoking ideas and philosophies. I highly recommend it for next year when you are wondering if you want to do a workshop. This one is IT! You WANT to do it! Thanks Jennifer Barnes and Curtis Gaesser. Fantastic weekend learning from the best."

Marcy Spencer, Director of Choirs, Gilbert H.S. (Gilbert, AZ)

"The UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar was well worth the effort.  I learned a great deal in the planning, organization, and delivery of a successful vocal jazz program.  All educators with vocal jazz as part of their schedule should consider this seminar".

Kent Ellingson, Director of Vocal Jazz, Booker T. Washington HSPVA, Dallas

"Whether you're beginning a vocal jazz ensemble or have years of experience directing one, this workshop will have details that will improve your teaching. The demonstrations with sound gear, rhythm section (especially working with a drummer), and vocal jazz ensemble rehearsal techniques really made the experience worthwhile. The instructors were open to answer any question and shared many of their personal teaching experiences with seminar members, which was really appreciated. I would highly recommend this workshop to any colleague!"

John Stafford, Assistant Director of Music and Director of Choral Activities, Kansas City Kansas Community College

"The UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar was a power-packed two days, literally covering every aspect of vocal jazz directing and teaching. From seminar directors Jennifer Barnes and Curtis Gaesser I learned techniques and gained insight that I'll use with my students at my school. If you are looking for a way to take your jazz choir to the next level, look no further...highly recommended!"

Dr. Michael Pagán, Director, Bravo! Jazz Singers, Ottawa University

"The UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar is an incredible opportunity for ensemble directors at the high school and collegiate levels to get an in-depth breakdown on the full spectrum of details which go into establishing a program of high caliber musicianship in your ensemble. Facilitators Jennifer Barnes and Curtis Gaesser are at the very top of their field, and their willingness to share their talents as educators and "insider knowledge" was a gift beyond measure. This seminar is a must-do event for anyone serious about creating and maintaining a successful vocal jazz ensemble program, which fosters students to not only excel as performers, but grow as finely-tuned, musical members of their community as well."

Kate Duncan, Professor of Popular & Commercial Music, Loyola University New Orleans

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