Arkansas Jazz Educators

The Arkansas Jazz Educators
was established to promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz
and its artistic performance. Further, we are here to help interested
parties in the development of jazz in schools and universities.

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June 3, 2008 Dear Colleagues, As you have already heard, IAJE declared bankruptcy on April 18, 2008 and for all purposes no longer exists as an organization. Though there are discussions of restarting a national jazz educators group, this is probably several years away. In light of this, state chapters like Arkansas IAJE have been forced to consider the future. Many chapters have decided to remain and continue to serve their states as independent groups. The general consensus among Arkansas IAJE members was also to remain and serve as a jazz resource for Arkansas. The executive council of ARIAJE met on Monday, June 2, 2008 to formulate a plan and make whatever fiscal and administrative arrangements necessary to continue on. The highlights of the decisions made at this meeting are as follows, subject to ratification by the membership at the ARJAZZED meeting in July at ABA: ARIAJE will become ARJAZZED, the Arkansas Jazz Educators Association Leadership structure and officers will remain the same Some minor updates to constitution and bylaws reflecting our new status Updates to our accounting and tax status to allow us to collect and process our own dues and donations, which will all stay in Arkansas and serve Arkansas! ARJAZZED will continue all the state projects started under ARIAJE, including the All State Jazz etudes, jazz presentations at ABA, and All State jazz clinician sponsorship A new, simpler, and more affordable dues structure (Regular membership now $25 annually) As a leadership team we believe the more affordable dues and freedom from national restrictions will allow us to have more resources and do much more for jazz education in Arkansas. We have many possible projects to serve teachers and students in Arkansas. We look forward to seeing them come to fruition and improving the quality of student musicians and music programs in Arkansas. I want to personally thank the executive council of ARIAJE for their hard work and dedication to work through the obstacles we are facing. Please email or call me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Dr. Timothy Howe, State President, ARIAJE Assistant Professor of Music Arkansas Tech University 407 W. "Q" Street Russellville, AR 72801 479-968-0476 thowe@atu.edu See the Schedule of Events for Jazz in Arkansas.