Swing Forum

2012 Swing Central Jazz Clinicians

2012-02-20T20:39:15Z

Piano:
Marcus Roberts, Associate Director of Jazz Studies
Bill Peterson
Kevin Bales
Aaron Diehl
Bass:
Rodney Whitaker
Rodney Jordan
Jeffry Eckles
Drums:
Jason Marsalis
Leon Anderson
Herlin Riley
Guitar:
Dave Stryker
Trumpet:
Jim Ketch, Associate Director of Swing Central Jazz
Terrell Stafford
Sean Jones
Trombones:
Wycliffe Gordon
Ron Westray
Paul McKee
Saxophones:
Jeff Clayton
Bill Kennedy
Jack Wilkins

2011 Swing Central Jazz Winners

2011-04-25T17:06:18Z

Congratulations to the winners!!!

1st Prize:
Dillard Center for the Arts. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Director: Chris Dorsey

2nd Prize:
Newport High School Jazz Band. Bellevue, WA
Director: Matthew Eisenhauer

3rd Prize:
Agoura High School Jazz Band. Agoura Hills, CA
Director: John Mosley

Clinician rehearsal

2011-02-02T13:47:10Z

Had a great time with Leon Anderson last week....just didn't last long enough. Principal tried to hire him!!! Also a great performance and clinics from the UNF guys yesterday. Thanks Clarence, for the help. We are on our way!! Vann Thornton TCHS Jazz

Jazz Saxophonist James Moody Dies

2010-12-10T16:47:52Z

Jazz Saxophonist James Moody Dies
Saxophonist achieved fame as an associate of Dizzy Gillespie and
co-composer of "Moody's Mood for Love"

By Lee Mergner

Saxophonist, flutist and composer James Moody died today at his home in
the San Diego area. He was 85 years old. Moody had been suffering from
pancreatic cancer and had recently chosen to decline treatment by
radiation or chemotherapy.

Funeral services are scheduled for December 18 at Greenwood Memorial
Park, 4300 Imperial Ave in San Diego with a morning viewing and
graveside service at 12:30 and a celebration of his life at Faith Chapel
on 9400 Campo Road in Spring Valley at 2 PM.

In February of this year, Moody was operated on have the tumor resected,
but according to his wife Linda, it proved to be impossible without
endangering his life. The doctors removed his gallbladder and did a
double bypass of his digestive system to remove the blockage. He was in
the ICU at UCSD Thornton Hospital for almost 8 weeks with life
threatening infections and was finally able to come home in May. Since
that time Moody rested at home under the care of his wife and a team of
hospice care workers, his time spent watching TV, listening to music and
playing occasionally.

Once the Moody's announced about a month ago via his website that he was
suffering from pancreatic cancer and awaiting his fate sans medical
intervention, the jazz community flooded his site and his e-mail with
their prayers and well-wishes. Above and beyond his impact as a jazz
musician, Moody was a man who seemed to make friends everywhere he went.

"There's an old philosophy, and it's been said many times, but people
don't heed it," Moody told JT's Bill Milkowski in 2004. "And that is
simply this: 'So a man thinketh, so it is.' I think I'm young. My wife
says I'm 78 going on 18, and that's very true in a way. That's how I feel."

Moody, who preferred to be called by his last name, was born in
Savannah, Georgia on March 26, 1925. It is little known that Moody was
born partially deaf. As a result when he was young and unable to hear
the teacher, he was labelled mentally deficient and ordered to attend a
school for the mentally disabled. Shortly thereafter, his family moved
to Newark, New Jersey, where he attended public school. Eventually, his
hearing problem was diagnosed and he was sent to the Bruce Street School
for the Deaf He later attended Arts High in Newark, N.J.

His uncle gave him an alto sax when he was 16. After hearing Buddy Tate
and Don Byas perform with the Count Basie Band at the Adams Theater in
Newark, New Jersey, Moody switched to the tenor saxophone. He was just
18 years old when he was drafted into the Air Force in 1943 during World
War II. Unable to play with the white Air Force band, Moody played in an
unofficial Negro Air Force band for three years. He was disturbed by the
segregation that was prevalent in the military service at that time.
Incredibly, he met Dizzy Gillespie while in the Air Force, as Gillespie
came through for a performance on the base. After he got out of the
service, in 1946, he joined the recently formed Dizzy Gillespie Big
Band, one of the most important jazz groups at that time.

In a piece in the March 2004 issue of JazzTimes, Moody told writer Bill
Milkowski that Dizzy Gillespie had an enormous impact on his life. "Diz
influenced me from every standpoint. He was a friend, a father, a
confidante, just everything to me. I'm 78 years old and I'm still
realizing how much he affected me. And man, a lot of times I'll see
something, and I'll remember what Diz told me and I'll go, 'Ah, that's
what he meant!' Diz, boy-he was just a nice guy, a good man. And he was
a child, too; he never grew up. But he was a child like a fox. I'm just
thankful to him every day for giving me a chance because he knew-he
must've seen something in me to let me be in the band for a minute." In
turn, Gillespie once said of his frontline partner, "Playing with James
Moody is like playing with a continuation of myself."

He stayed with Gillespie for two years and appeared on several key
recordings from that period, including "O.W.," "Oop-Pop-a-Da" and "Two
Bass Hit."

[Note: The rest of this article is excerpted from Bill Milkowski's
feature on Moody from 2004.]

In 1946, Moody was also a member of the Bebop Boys, an all-star group
led by Ray Brown and featuring Dizzy and Dave Burns on trumpets, John
Brown on alto sax, Moody on tenor, Hank Jones on piano, Milt Jackson on
vibes and Joe Harris on drums. (Moody's first-ever recordings in the
studio come from a September 25, 1946, session with the Bebop Boys,
which also produced the blazing tenor feature "Moody Speaks").

In 1948, Moody made his recording debut as a leader for the Blue Note
label-James Moody and His Modernists, featuring arranger Gil Fuller and
Art Blakey on drums along with such regular Gillespie sidemen as Ernie
Henry on alto sax, Cecil Payne on baritone sax, Dave Burns and Elmon
Wright on trumpets, Chano Pozo on bongos and vocals, Nelson Boyd on
bass, James Forman on piano and Teddy Stewart on drums.

In 1949 Moody moved to Europe, and in Sweden that year he recorded his
tour de force of improvisation on the Jimmy McHugh Tin Pan Alley tune
"I'm in the Mood for Love" (which can be heard on James Moody & His
Swedish Crowns on the Dragon label). Back in the States, pioneering
vocalese artist Eddie Jefferson penned lyrics to Moody's exact solo on
that tune and dubbed it "Moody's Mood for Love."

Meanwhile, an unknown singer named Clarence Beeks-aka King
Pleasure-heard Jefferson sing his vocalese version of Moody's
masterpiece at the Cotton Club in Cincinnati. Beeks promptly committed
the performance and song to memory-the lyrics, phrasing and all of the
nuances. In November 1951, Beeks sang Jefferson's signature vocalese
offering at the Apollo Theater Amateur Hour, winning first prize along
with a contract to record the tune for Prestige. The 1952 release of
King Pleasure's debut recording, "Moody's Mood for Love," became an
instant hit, to the utter surprise of Moody, who found himself an
"overnight sensation" when he returned to the States that same year.

"It was amazing!" he recalls, "because I had no idea what a hit it was.
So when I went to play a gig somewhere I'd be shocked at how packed the
place would be. Suddenly I was being treated like a star or something. I
never will forget the record company guy calling me up and asking, 'You
want a Cadillac? You want a Buick? Whatever you want, I'll buy it for
you.' And when I told my mother that, she said, 'Son, people do not give
you anything for nothing. Watch out!' And she was right. There were all
kinds of come-ons in those days but my mother-God bless her, man-she
hipped me to a lot of things."

Today, Moody still includes "Moody's Mood for Love" in every set he
plays. "Yeah, and if I don't, I might as well not come to the gig," he
laughs. "It's like Tony Bennett with 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco.'
He still sings it and loves singing it, and I'm still singing 'Moody's
Mood.'" (On a side note: After King Pleasure's version of "Moody's Mood
for Love" became a smash hit, Jimmy McHugh sued for copyright
infringement and won a partial victory in court, ultimately splitting
proceeds with Moody on sales of any versions of the tune.)

Upon returning to the States in 1952, Moody worked with vocalist-hipster
Babs Gonzales until they had a parting of the ways a year later. As
Moody explains, "Babs was talking about 'I want more bread,' and I
thought he was getting enough 'bread,' as he called it. So he said,
'Well, then I'm leaving.' And I said, 'Bye.' After Babs split we went to
Cleveland and the word was out that I was looking for a singer to sing
'Moody's Mood for Love' with the band. And Eddie Jefferson came back and
applied for the gig. I had no idea that he was the one who wrote the
lyrics to 'Moody's Mood,' so when I found out I said, 'You got the job,
man.' And it was cool from then on. Everywhere we would go we'd have to
do that tune two or three times a night. I'd have to play it, and Eddie
would have to sing it. And it was wonderful."

Jefferson remained a fixture in Moody's group through 1962. In 1963,
Moody rejoined Gillespie and performed in the trumpeter's quintet for
the remainder of the decade, but by the outset of the '70s he had lost
his enthusiasm for the road. As he recalls, "My daughter was born, and I
wanted to see her grow up. I didn't get to see my other children grow up
since I was always away. So I finally just said, 'Aw, the heck with
this.' That's when I went to Las Vegas, and I stayed there for seven and
a half years."
Moody's tenor-playing pal Harold Land is the one who hipped him to the
steady gig opportunities in Las Vegas. During that lucrative period,
from 1971 to 1978, Moody worked at the Flamingo Hilton, where he played
shows with Leslie Uggams and Sandler & Young, and also at the bigger Las
Vegas Hilton, where he played with a host of big-name entertainers
including Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Liberace, Milton Berle, Bill
Cosby, the Rockettes, Lou Rawls, Ike and Tina Turner, Glen Campbell,
Charlie Rich, Connie Stevens, the Everly Brothers, Steve and Eydie,
Eddie Fisher and Bobbie Gentry.

He was back in New York by the early '80s, and Moody's career received a
boost with a Grammy nomination in 1985 for Best Jazz Instrumental
Performance for his playing on Manhattan Transfer's Vocalese. He then
signed to RCA/Novus, and Moody's 1986 debut for the label was the
straightahead quartet date Something Special featuring pianist Kenny
Barron. His follow-up was Moving Forward, and in 1989 he was reunited
with his friend and mentor Dizzy Gillespie on "Con Alma" and "Get the
Booty" on Sweet and Lovely.

On March 26, 1995, a 70th birthday celebration for Moody, hosted by Bill
Cosby, was held at New York's Blue Note club. Telarc recorded the show
and released it as Moody's Party: Live at the Blue Note. He followed
that up with two tribute recordings for Warner Bros.: 1996's Sinatra
tribute Young at Heart and 1997's Moody Plays Mancini.

He made several recordings during the last decade of his life, including
Homage, Moody 4A and Moody 4B, the latter two for IPO. Moody 4B was
recently nominated for a Grammy award.

"I have a goal in life, and my goal is to play better tomorrow than I
did today," Moody says. "I'm not in competition with other musicians
because there's too much going on, you can't be into that. So I'm in
competition with myself. I just want to be able to play better tomorrow
than I did today. And I've got to hurry up and play better because it
seems like when I practice and I think I got something, I go outside and
everybody else has got it and gone. So I'm still working at it because I
haven't found it yet. It's a never-ending search. It's the old thing of
I'll never get it but it's worth trying."

Moody's 2004 album for Savoy, Homage, featured tunes specially composed
for the record by some of his friends. Here's what a few of the
composers had to say about Moody, for the piece written by Bill.Milkowski.

Kenny Barron: "He's just an amazing person for so many reasons. Number
one is just his boundless energy. Number two is his humility. He's just
a great musician and a really great guy. We spent four years together
with Dizzy and what used to amaze me is that he would eat these chord
changes up and then come back and say, 'Man, does that sound OK?' And
I'd say, 'Come on, Moody, are you kidding?' He's like the eternal
student of music, and he keeps on getting better. The other thing I can
say about Moody is I wanna be like him when I grow up. The piece I
contributed was just a blues because that's something that Moody excels
at, and he can put any kind of twist on it-it could be very modern, it
could be gutbucket, whatever it is, whatever it calls for. He's just a
real open-minded cat, and he brings so much to the music. He's open to
what the younger guys are doing, interested in finding out what it is
and how they're doing it. So I really take my hat off to him. And I
really would like to be like that when I'm 78-always ready to learn."

Marc Copland: "I found working with Moody to be a humbling and
humanizing experience. This is the kindest person I ever worked for, and
he became the godfather of my son. Here's a man who played with the
greats, yet he doesn't carry an attitude or rest on his laurels. All he
talks about sometimes is how much he needs to practice, how far he still
has to go in this music. As a human being, he's old enough to be my
father, and over the years we've had a deep exchange of musical and
personal ideas. He once said to me with a twinkle in his eye, 'Marc,
sometimes I'm the father, and sometimes you're the father. I know!' My
personal homage to Moody is this: Every time I play, every time I
travel, I hope to play with the same spirit that he does and hope to
treat other musicians with the same kindness and respect that he does."

Chick Corea: "James is a treasure of an artist and musician. He makes me
smile every time I meet him and every time I hear him play. His work
with Dizzy will remain unforgettable."

David Hazeltine: "What's amazing to me is that at his age, after all the
music that Moody has performed and recorded, he remains a serious
student of jazz, always looking for new ideas and interesting,
innovative ways to articulate the chord changes."

2011 Swing Central Jazz Participants

2010-12-09T16:51:28Z

Click to download: PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

2011 Swing Central Jazz Participants

Agoura High Studio Jazz
School: Agoura High School
City: Agoura Hills, CA
Director: John Mosley

Battle Ground High Advanced Jazz Band
School: Battle Ground High School - Tigers
City: Battle Ground , WA
Director: Greg McKelvey

Calabasas High School Jazz Band
School: Calabasas High School
City: Calabasas, CA
Director: Joshua Barroll

Champaign Central high School Jazz Ensemble
School: Champaign Central High School
City: Champaign, IL
Director: John Currey

Denton High School Lab Band 1
School: Denton High School
City: Denton, TX
Director: Jesse Woolery

Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble
School: Dillard Center for the Arts
City: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Director: Christopher Dorsey

Hoover First Edition
School: Hoover High School
City: Hoover, AL
Director: Sallie Vines White

The Lovett Jazz Ensemble
School: The Lovett School
City: Atlanta, GA
Director: Stutz Wimmer

Newport High School Jazz Ensemble 1
School: Newport High School
City: Bellevue, WA
Director: Matthew D. Eisenhauer

Overton High School Blue Jazz Ensemble
School: Overton High School
City: Memphis, TN
Director: Jeff Huddleston

Roosevelt High School II
School: Roosevelt High School
City: Seattle, WA
Director: Stuart MacDonald

Tate High School Symphonic Jazz Band
School: J.M. Tate High School
City: Cantonment, FL
Director: Mike Philley

List of Hotels in Savannah, GA

2010-12-07T21:49:22Z

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL

SWING CENTRAL JAZZ
Recommended Local Lodging

Hotels located near Savannah Civic Center:

Country Inn Savannah Historic District - 320 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401

912-921-5300

The Country Inn & Suites Savannah hotel is a 101-room property located in the heart of Savannah's beautiful Historic District. This Savannah Historic District hotel is perfectly suited to business and leisure travelers alike. In addition, our hotel in downtown Savannah is located within walking distance of wonderful restaurants, attractions and shops.

Courtyard Savannah Historic District - 415 West Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401

912-790-8287

Downtown Savannah hotel located in the world famous Savannah Historic District.

Southern elegance and charm combined with expert service and amenities.

Complimentary High Speed Internet access in all guest rooms, meeting rooms, and public spaces.

Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District  - 201 MLK Junior Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31401

912-721-1600

Heart of the historic district location. Easy walking distance to boutiques, restaurants and Savannah's famed squares. Features include hardwood floors and exposed brick, a rooftop swimming pool and complementary breakfast.

Springhill Suites Savannah Historic District - 150 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401

912-629-5300

The brand new SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel in downtown Savannah, GA is an ALL suites hotel located in the heart of the Historic District, offering free hot breakfast buffet! A preferred hotel partner of StayinSavannah.com, Creating Memorable Experiences at Affordable Prices!

The Stephen Williams House - 128 W. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401
912-495-0032
An elegant Inn located in a restored 1834 Federal mansion furnished with exquisite period antiques. Historic Preservation Award from Historic Savannah Foundation. Fodor's Choice Award. Recommended by Andrew Harper. Wonderful Savannah and Low Country breakfasts.

The Thunderbird Inn - 611 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401
912.232.2661
The Thunderbird Inn, a quirky downtown Savannah inn hotel, is conveniently located on West Oglethorpe Avenue just a short walk away from everything hip in the Historic District including City Market, River Street, the Civic Center and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Hotels located near River Street:

AVIA Savannah -  14 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401

866-644-2842 or 912-233-2116

With its artful décor, warm hospitality and prime downtown Historic Savannah location, AVIA delights with new south sophistication. Sample sensational small plates or sip a signature cocktail at AVIA's Kitchen + Lounge. An easy walk to SMF events. Book and receive special rates for SMF attendees. Rates starting at $179.00.

Best Western Savannah Historic District - 412 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401

912-233-1011

Come experience true Southern hospitality and an ideal location in the heart of Savannah while staying at the Best Western Plus Savannah Historic District in the Historic District. This charming Savannah hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms featuring cable satellite television and wireless high-speed Internet access.

Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront - 102 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
912-721-3800

The Bohemian Hotel sits like a jewel above the historic 18th century cobblestone street along the famous Savannah River. The hotel's design is contemporary in style with a vintage allure, reminiscent of the era when British maritime settlers first landed on the Savannah River in 1733. Tailor-made guest room furnishings include elements of British campaign furniture fitted with finely grained wood, brass, and leather.

Doubletree Hotel Historic Savannah - 411 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

912-790-7000

Beautiful Hotel. Premier Location. Affordable Luxury. The Doubletree Hotel Savannah Historic District is only steps away from River Street and City Market. A preferred hotel partner of StayinSavannah.com. Creating Memorable Experiences at Affordable Prices!

Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District  - 201 East Bay Street , Savannah, GA 31401

912-231-9700

Hilton Garden Inn Historic Savannah  - 321 West Bay Street , Savannah, GA 31401

912-721-5000

The Hilton Garden Inn Historic Savannah is a 133-room boutique hotel in the Heart of Historic Savannah and sits adjacent to Historic City Market.

Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District  - 199 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401  912-231-9000

This brand new property is located in the heart of the historic district. Features include: lobby bar, business center, guest rooms equipped with flat screen TVs, a roof-top pool and gazebo, valet parking, complimentary breakfast, and concierge services.

Hyatt Regency Savannah -  2 West Bay Street , Savannah, GA 31401

 912-238-1234

Steps from the waterfront on scenic River Street in the heart of the city's captivating historic district: close to one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions.

Inn at Ellis Square - 201 West Bay Street, Savannah GA 31401
912-236-4440
Circa 1853 hotel is perfectly positioned in historic Savannah adjacent to River Street, City Market, and performance venues. You will be welcomed in true Southern fashion. Hotel features include: 252 charming guest rooms and king suites, breakfast is included, outdoor pool, lounge, fitness center and parking on site.

The Mulberry Inn  - 601 East Bay Street,  Savannah, GA 31401

912-238-1200

Retreat to elegance in the heart of downtown Savannah where guests experience Southern beauty with all the modern amenities. Highlights include our signature complimentary Afternoon Tea complete with dessert, coffee, and a live pianist.

Quality Inn Heart of Savannah - 300 West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401

912-236-6321

The Quality Inn Heart of Savannah is conveniently located in the heart of the national historic district. This Savannah, GA hotel provides the ultimate location for travelers visiting this graceful and charming Southern city.

Savannah Marriott Riverfront - 100 General McIntosh Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31401

Get Directions

912-373-2004

Our Hotel on Bay Street in Savannah, GA is easily accessible to the Historic district and River Street. Earn Marriott points for rooms & events held at our Savannah Marriott hotel on Bay Street. Walking distance from local attractions, shopping, golf and entertainment in Historic Savannah

Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District - 301 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
912-721-9000
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Savannah, we offer amenities including: full hot breakfast, wireless internet, kitchens in all guest rooms, complimentary guest laundry, 24 hour fitness & business center, and evening receptions.

Hotels located in Downtown:

Azalea Inn and Gardens - 217 East Huntingdon Street, Savannah, GA 31401

800-582-3823 or 912-236-2707

Rendezvous at Azalea Inn and Gardens (circa 1889) near Forsyth Park. All-inclusive gourmet breakfast, wine and hors d'oeuvres, private parking, swimming pool, heritage gardens, rattan-chair balconies and tourist assistance.

Four Points by Sheraton Historic Savannah - 520 West Bryan Street, Savannah, GA 31401
912-790-1000
Four Points by Sheraton Historic Savannah is located within walking distance of River Street, City Market, superb attractions, unique boutiques and fantastic restaurants and exciting night life.

Hilton Savannah Desoto  - 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401

800-426-8483

The newly renovated Hilton Savannah DeSoto is located in the heart of Savannah's historic district; step outside to green squares, historic sites, boutiques, local pubs, restaurants, and more.

Planters Inn  - 29 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401

912-232-2661

Come and enjoy the elegance of this 60 room Historic Inn located in the heart of the Historic District. Complimentary continental breakfast, evening wine/cheese hour and evening turndown service.

Presidents' Quarters Inn - 225 East President Street, Savannah, GA 31401
800-233-1776 or 912-233-1600
Renowned for service and epitomizing Savannah, Presidents' Quarters is a short stroll to venues. Special rates (from $189) include breakfast, parking, afternoon wine, and turndown. Voted "Best Savannah Inn" 2008-2010.

Hotels Located near Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport

Cambria Suites Savannah Airport - 50 Y. Johnson Hagins Drive, Savannah, GA 31408

912-965-9595

With our standard non-smoking Sophisticated Suites we have the perfect
units for your groups. We could provide suites with 2 Queen beds for band
members and 1 King bed suite for the Instructor, or chaperone. We can do
either a rate of $109.00 a night w/o breakfast, or a rate of $119.00 with
breakfast included. This rate is a discounted corporate rate off our regular
rate in March of $129.00.

Comfort Inn & Suites Savannah Airport - 17 Jay R. Turner Drive, Savannah, GA 31408

912-629.1500

The Comfort Inn & Suites Savannah Airport hotel provides business and leisure travelers with countless features and affordable accommodations in Georgia. Make a reservation with us today and let us treat you to personalized service.

Holiday Inn Express Savannah Airport - 1 Y. Johnson Hagins Drive, Savannah, GA 31408

912-721-9100

Located minutes from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and near several popular attractions including Historic Downtown Savannah, Paula Deen's Lady and Sons Restaurant and the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum! Our Savannah hotel offers business and leisure travelers several deluxe amenities and services, and we invite you to experience a taste of Southern hospitality!

Springhill Suites Savannah Airport - 1 Jay R. Turner Drive, Savannah, GA 31408

912-330-5555

Designed to enrich your travels, the SpringHill Suites Savannah Airport hotel provides separate spaces for you to work and relax, along with great amenities to help you get the most out of your stay, like free high-speed Internet access, a pantry with mini-fridge, coffee maker and microwave, and plenty of comfortable, flexible seating including a pullout sofa bed.

Hotels Located near Savannah:

Comfort Suites Savannah North - 115 Traveler's Way, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-965-1445

The Comfort Suites Savannah North is ideally located just 10 miles from the historic city of Savannah. This Port Wentworth, GA hotel is minutes from the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Savannah's popular River Street, Savannah State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Tybee Island and Hilton Head Island.

Country Inn & Suites Savannah Hotel - 200 Raley Road, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-964-7499 or 912-964-2300

With its charming decor and comfortable amenities, the Country Inn & Suites Savannah Hotel, near Savannah Airport and several major businesses and attractions, is a perfect choice for travelers of all kinds. Our hotel in Savannah, Georgia provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere and convenient amenities.

Days Inn Port Wentworth - North Savannah - 105 Travelers Way, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-629-1900

The Days Inn and Suites Port Wentworth is convenient to I-95, Savannah Airport, Historic Savannah and is a 100% non-smoking facility. We offer special discounts for AAA, AARP and our LRO promotion, select discount on main page. We are a stop on the Old Towne Trolley tours, tickets available at the front desk.

Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown  - 5711 Abercorn Street , Savannah, GA 31405

912-625-9300

The Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown hotel is the newest addition to Savannah's stylish and trendsetting area. The hotel is located only three miles from the historic district.

Holiday Inn Express Savannah North - 7210 Highway 21, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-964-8900

Welcome to our award winning contemporary styled Holiday Inn Express Hotel Savannah, Georgia, located just 10 miles from Historic Savannah, River Street, City Market and all major attractions. Our Holiday Inn Express Hotel captures the essence of a life style unique to the South.

Inn at Mulberry Grove - 101 O'Leary Road @ I-95 Exit 109, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-965-9666

Travelers are faced with the challenge of finding a much-needed night's rest, affordably! With this in mind, Inn at Mulberry Grove offers the cheapest discount hotel rates normally associated with city budget hotels...and at the same time one of the really cool Savannah Georgia hotels even for business travel right on I-95...only 10 minutes to downtown Savannah.

Quality Inn & Suites Savannah North - 7220 Highway 21, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-965-1313

The Quality Inn & Suites Savannah North is conveniently located off Interstate 95. This Port Wentworth hotel is close to historic Savannah's popular attractions, including Armstrong State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Chandler Hospital, Fort Pulaski and the Georgia Air National Guard. The Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport is just three miles away.

Ramada Limited Port Wentworth/Savannah North - 110 Traveler's Way, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-964-6060

The Ramada Limited Port Wentworth/Savannah area is located just of I-95 at Exit 109 - Highway 21. The hotel offers all guests Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet and a Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast featuring Hot items. The Ramada Limited of Port Wentworth/Savannah area is ideally situated to all of the attractions and amenities of the Savannah area. The Savannah Historic District and Famous River Street is a short 8 mile drive.

Super 8 Savannah - 7200 Highway 21 North @ I-95 Exit 109, Savannah, GA 31407

912-965-9393

Welcome to the Super 8 Savannah, your convenient gateway to all of the Savannah area attractions and history. With modern amenities and Super comfort, we strive to make your stay a memorable one. Wake up and enjoy our complimentary SuperStart breakfast before exploring the natural beauty and history of Savannah.

Wingate by Wyndham Savannah - 115 O'Leary Road, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

912-964-0840

The Wingate by Wyndham / I 95 SAVANNAH NORTH, is located off Interstate 95 at Exit 109, just 8 miles from Historic Savannah and River Street. The Wingate by Wyndham / I 95 Savannah North provides a Hot Complimentary Breakfast served daily from 6:00 to 10:00 AM. Homemade Belgian waffles, sausage, eggs, pastries, cereals and juices are served up SOUTHERN STYLE.

Clinicians in Feb

2010-12-07T19:45:08Z

How does this typically work? How long of a clinic? Only one? Day or night? I am trying to pick the best fit date to fit the specifications. Thanks! Jesse

2011 SCJ Participant's information

2010-12-07T18:49:37Z

Repertoire

"After You've Gone" arr. by Bill Holman
"Jada" by Oliver Nelson
"Slide's Derangement" by Slide Hampton

Clinicians

Piano
Marcus Roberts, Associate Director of Jazz Education
Bill Peterson
Gerald Clayton
Kevin Bales
Bass
John Clayton
Rodney Whitaker
Rodney Jordan

Drums
Jason Marsalis
Leon Anderson

Guitar
Dave Stryker

Trombones
Wycliffe Gordon
Ron Westray
Paul McKee

Saxophones
Jeff Clayton
Bill Kennedy
Jack Wilkins

Trumpets
Jim Ketch, Associate Director of Swing Central Jazz
Marcus Printup
Terell Stafford

Schedule

March 30th, 2011 (Savannah Civic Center)
1:00 - 3:00 PM Meet the exhibitors
3:00 - 3:45 PM Welcome/light lunch for students/Clinicians performance
4:00 - 6:45 PM Sessions (Detailed schedule will be provided closer to the date)
6:45 - 8:30 PM Meet the exhibitors
7:15 - 8:30 PM Director's session
8:30 - 10:30 PM Jam Session (Location TBA)

March 31st, 2011 (Savannah Civic Center)
9:00 - 11:45 AM Workshops (Detailed schedule: TBA)
11:45 - 12:45 PM Lunch
12:45 - 3:30 PM Workshops (Detailed schedule: TBA)
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Bands Performance (Location & detailed schedule: TBA)
5:00/7:15/9:30 PM Performance: Clayton Brothers & ike Stubblefield Trio featuring Marcus Printup & Wycliffe Gordon - Charles H. Morris Center (Student tickets available)

April 1st, 2011 (Lucas Theatre for the Arts)
9:00 - 12:00 PM Competition
1:00 - 4:00 PM Competition
4:30 PM Finalist announcement
7:30 PM Finalist performance
8:15 PM Winner announcement
8:30 PM Clinicians performance: "Downtown Uproar" Duke Ellington Small Band

Agoura High Director named Jazz Educator of the Year

2010-11-11T22:09:02Z

"Agoura High School music director John Mosley is named Jazz Educator of the Year by the Los Angeles Jazz Society. Gary Pratt presents a tribute. Mosley has been teaching at Agoura High since 1986" Read more: http://tinyurl.com/2euzm3k

2011 SCJ recording submission instructions

2010-10-21T13:10:03Z

You can now submit your recordings on line: Go to the "2011 workshops" tab under "SCJ community" and follow the instructions. Submissions instructions: 1. Band Directors will submit a recorded CD with two (2) different tracks 2. CD Label: Band name, track 1 name, track 2 name 3. Band personnel must be the same players as on the entry recording 4. First recorded track: must be from the following selection: 1) "Jada" by Oliver Nelson. 2) "Slide's Derangement" by Slide Hampton. 3) "After You've Gone" arr. by Bill Holman 5. Second recorded track: choose from the above selections or Band Director's choice 6. List band personnel and all featured soloists in the fields provided bellow

Slide Hampton: special guest and judge during the 2011 SCJ Competition

2010-10-21T13:02:00Z

We have invited Mr. Slide Hampton to be one of five judges during the 2011 SCJ competition. Mr. Hampton will also perform during the finale concert on April 1st, 2011 at the Lucas Theatre with Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, Ron Westray, Jason Marsalis and other 2011 SCJ clinicians