Workshop member Bryan Knox conducts his composition entitled "Seasick."

BMI's 2006 Charlie Parker Prize winner Asuka Kakitani conducts her award-winning composition, "Dance 1," during a special BMI Jazz Composers Workshop concert at the IAJE Convention. Kakitani's piece was one of six presented in the hour-long concert by the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra.

In addition to BMI’s presence as a first-time IAJE exhibitor, a highlight of the company’s participation at this year’s four-day gathering included a special performance by members of the esteemed BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. The Jan. 12 concert featured award-winning works and some of the best compositions from the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 16-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading Workshop members.

BMI’s Jean Banks (center) with jazz virtuoso Joe Lovano and Workshop Musical Director Jim McNeeley, both 2007 Grammy nominees

BMI also sponsored IAJE’s 7th Annual Gala Dinner on Jan. 10, honoring Dr. David Baker with the Lawrence Berk Leadership Award and composer Michel Legrand with the IAJE Presidents Award.

Gala honoree Dr. David Baker (center) is congratulated by BMI’s Robbin Ahrold and Workshop Musical Director Jim McNeeley

Now in its second decade, the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composers Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz/big band ensemble. The Workshop—a well-known forum for creative excellence-provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills.

BMI’s Leslie Morgan and Mark Barron greet an IAJE Conference attendee at the BMI booth

BMI is a long-time supporter of IAJE, whose mission is to ensure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education through research, financial assistance and advocating for jazz in all appropriate forums. The association’s role as the leading voice for the global jazz community is reflected in the 2007 IAJE Conference with programming for educators, musicians, students and industry executives, providing professional development and training for all segments of its membership.

The special IAJE showcase will feature award-winning works and some of the best compositions from the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 16-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading Workshop members. Composer Asuka Kakitani, winner of the BMI Foundation's 2006 Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and the 2006 Manny Albam Commission, will conduct her winning piece entitled "Dance I." Charlie Parker Prize finalists Javier Arau and Tom Goehring will also take the stage to conduct their works, as will Workshop members Michele Caniato, Jeff Fairbanks and Bryan Knox.

Now in its second decade, the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composers Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz/big band ensemble. The Workshop-a well-known forum for creative excellence-provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills.

With a rich history in both jazz music and music education, BMI is a long-time supporter of IAJE, whose mission is to ensure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education through research, financial assistance and advocating for jazz in all appropriate forums. The association's role as the leading voice for the global jazz community is reflected in the 2007 IAJE Conference with programming for educators, musicians, students and industry executives, providing professional development and training for all segments of its membership.

Workshop Associate Musical Director Michael Abene, saxophone legend Joe Lovano, slide trombone master Robin Eubanks, Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize winner Asuka Kakitani, jazz authority Dan Morgenstern and Workshop Musical Director Jim McNeely

"Dance 1" was chosen from among five outstanding works nominated by the Workshop's musical directors. The prestigious judging panel, made up of three leading members of the jazz community, included jury foreman Dan Morgenstern, a celebrated jazz critic and writer, and Director of the Institute for Jazz Studies at Rutgers University; Grammy Award-winning saxophone legend Joe Lovano, winner of the Berklee School of Music's first endowed chair, the Gary Burton Chair for Jazz Performance; and slide trombone master Robin Eubanks, a member of both Dave Holland's quintet and big band, who teaches jazz trombone at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize winner Asuka Kakitani conducts her winning piece, "Dance 1"

The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop is led by internationally renowned composers Jim McNeely and Michael Abene, and offers a unique collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians with an emphasis on composition for the large jazz (big band) ensemble. McNeely has performed with and written for Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Joe Henderson and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, among others, and is a six-time Grammy Award nominee. Abene is the Dean of the Manhattan School of Music, and has composed and arranged for Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Chick Corea and others; he is also a well-known record producer.

From Left to Right: Robbin Ahrold, Michael Abene, Asuka Kakitani, and Jim McNeely. Photo by Frank J. Oteri

The Workshop, a well-known forum for creative excellence, provides an environment where composers are free to explore new avenues in the creative process, while at the same time honing their skills. The annual summer concert features the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 16-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading Workshop members.

photos by Robbin Ahrold]]> 2006-07-06T18:00:00+00:00