IAJE at UW-Eau Claire

• International Association of Jazz Educators
  (Link to the IAJE student organization web page.)

The International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) is a world-wide organization with chapters in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Latin America, South Africa, and the United States. The mission of IAJE is to assure the continued world-wide growth and development of jazz and jazz education. As a means of advancing its mission, IAJE initiated programs which nurture and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage; provides leadership to educators regarding curricula, aesthetics, and performance; assists teachers and practitioners with information and resources; and takes an active part in organizing clinics, festivals, and symposia at local, regional, national, and international levels.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire collegiate chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators was founded in the fall of 1994. It was formed as a catalyst to increase student activity and learning within the jazz studies area. The UW-Eau Claire chapter of IAJE has become one of the nation's largest collegiate chapters with 44 members. Activities have included:

• Outreach Programs: Groups of members travel to area schools to present clinics and work in sectionals with middle school and high school jazz ensembles, providing hands-on teaching experience for future educators.
• Guest Clinicians: Bi-weekly meetings consist of clinics or performances given by leading jazz musicians, educators, and composers/arrangers sharing their expertise.
• UW-Eau Claire Jazz Festival: UWEC IAJE members play an active role in planning and staffing one of the largest jazz festivals in the nation.
• Social Activities: Members attend the annual IAJE International Convention as well as taking trips to jazz clubs in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Members also have get-togethers to promote strong camaraderie within the group.
• Fund Raisers: Big bands, combos and Dixieland bands perform at community events.
• Annual Jazz Recital: An annual jazz recital is presented each year by members.
• Participation in Other UW-Eau Claire Events: UWEC IAJE annually enters the "IAJE Dixieland Street Band" into the UWEC Homecoming Parade.
• Weekly Jam Sessions at the Cabin: Each Tuesday night from 8-10 p.m. IAJE provides an organized jam session at the UWEC student union in a performance venue know as "The Cabin."

Contact Information: 
Robert Baca
Director of Jazz Studies
250 Haas Fine Arts
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(715) 836-4371

bacarj@uwec.ed