(This page has been updated as of January 21, 2017)
Registration is OPEN at https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusic.
The 2nd Annual UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar will be held on the campus of the University of North Texas from Thursday, June 15 through Saturday, June 17, 2017.
The seminar will be led by UNT Director of Vocal Jazz, Jennifer Barnes, and multi-award-winning high school educator, Michael Molloy (St. Charles North High School, St. Charles, IL). 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
- Specific 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 (see below). Attendees will also have the option of staying for the 5-day workshop at the conclusion of the seminar for even MORE immersion in all things vocal jazz, at a reduced additional tuition rate of $400 (vs. $570).
Enrollment will be limited to 20 educators on a first-come, first-served basis in order to guarantee hands-on experience.
TRAVEL & SCHEDULE
Out of town participants should plan to arrive by Thursday afternoon, June 15. Those who fly can choose either DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport) or DAL (Dallas-Love Field). Individual rides may be arranged for those who request them, or participants may use a shuttle service to make the approximately 45-minute commute from either airport to the Denton area. The schedule for the seminar will be as follows (subject to slight changes):
THURSDAY, JUNE 15
4:30 p.m. REGISTRATION
5:00 p.m. SEMINAR BEGINS
7:30 p.m. ALL SEMINAR ATTENDEES DINNER
FRIDAY, JUNE 16
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 17
9 a.m. SEMINAR CONTINUES
12:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
1:45 p.m. SEMINAR CONTINUES
6:00 p.m. SEMINAR CONCLUDES
NOTE: Anyone wishing to stay for the UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop (beginning Sunday, June 18 at 3 p.m.) will need to complete a separate registration form for that workshop (the link to that registration can be found here
FEES:
Tuition: $300
(Must be paid in full by May 15)
Early Bird Tuition (if tuition paid in full by March 1): $250
Continuing Education Units Certificate (CEUs): $15
(Optional) Reduced tuition for the 6-day Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop following the seminar: $400
Cancellations must be made on or before June 1, 2017 to receive a refund of your fees, less the $20 processing fee and the $80 tuition deposit. No refunds will be issued after June 1, 2017.
LODGING:
We have special arrangements with the lovely and convenient Courtyard by Marriott Denton for a discounted group rate of only $91 per night (guaranteed if booked by 5/16/17). Here is the link you MUST use in order to get that special rate:
http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/grou...
For any further questions, please e-mail Jennifer.Barnes@unt.edu
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