(This page has been updated as of March 29, 2018) Registration is now open at https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusicworkshops.
The 3rd Annual UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar will be held on the campus of the University of North Texas from Thursday, June 21 through Saturday, June 23, 2018. 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 Christine Tavares Mocha from Valencia High School (Valencia, CA).
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 UNT 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.
TRAVEL & SCHEDULE
Out of town participants should plan to arrive by Thursday mid-afternoon, June 21. 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.
The schedule for the seminar will be as follows (subject to slight changes):
THURSDAY, JUNE 21
4:30 p.m. REGISTRATION
5:00 p.m. SEMINAR BEGINS
7:30 p.m. ALL SEMINAR ATTENDEES DINNER
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
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 23
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 complete one (combined) registration on the Acceptd system for both events together.
FEES:
Tuition: $350
Early Bird Tuition (if tuition paid in full by April 1): $300
Continuing Education Units Certificate (CEUs): $15
(Optional) Combined tuition for the Educator Seminar PLUS the 6-day Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop following the seminar: $795
Full refunds less a 2.9% + $0.30 credit card processing fee and initial Acceptd application fee of $20 will be honored until May 21 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.
LODGING & MEALS: We have single-room lodging available in Honors Hall, the newest dormitory on UNT's campus and a short, 2-block walk from the music building. The rate is $32 per day (including linens/towels) for a single room in a suite with a shared bath. We have also arranged a group discount rate of $109 per night (single or double room) at the lovely and convenient Courtyard by Marriott Denton, available through May 20. Here is a direct link to book the hotel:
https://tinyurl.com/UNTVJEdSemHotel
No meal plan is available during the Educator Seminar, but a meal plan IS available during the Summer Workshop for those who stay for the full week. See the Acceptd website for more details.
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