Band director tapped for jazz conference clinic

Jan. 3, 2023

Dr. John Seybert, director of bands for Upper St. Clair School District, has been tapped to present a clinic at the 14th annual JENerations Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Jazz Education Network. The conference – which features performances, workshops, panel discussions, research presentations, exhibits and mentoring clinics – is set for Jan. 4-7, 2023 – in Orlando, Fla.

“This experience provides an opportunity to collaborate and discuss effective pedagogical techniques with some of the most prominent jazz musicians and educators from around the world,” Dr. Seybert said.

Dr. Seybert’s clinic, titled “Transforming Your Program with Jazz Listening Skills,” will review methods to develop and implement jazz listening skills in rehearsals to advance school music programs. The clinic will examine practical applications, including a comprehensive summary of resources to enhance individual assignments, sectional, and ensemble rehearsals.

As a life-long learner, Dr. Seybert is looking forward to collaborating with other music teachers and musicians. 

“The opportunity to attend a national conference is an essential aspect of continuously improving as a musician/educator,” Dr. Seybert said. “In addition, presenting a session is an honor with national recognition for our renowned program and the Upper St. Clair School District.”

 

An Upper St. Clair faculty member since December 2016, Dr. Seybert also serves as the performing arts curriculum leader. Experiences and connections made via the JENerations Jazz Festival will have far-reaching impacts on Upper St. Clair’s music programs.

“This experience provides an opportunity to implement many effective methods as a curriculum leader and educator to advance our programs,” Dr. Seybert said. “This will also enhance the music experiences for our students and teachers to collaborate with musicians/educators throughout the country in clinics/rehearsals, commission projects, and future performances.”

Jazz Education Network is an educational and performance nonprofit founded in 2008, dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. The annual conference brings together all jazz types, from beginners to experts. Part music festival, part networking, part education, the event hosts thousands of musicians from around the world.