An open invitation to Ohio middle, high school and college-aged students identifying as female or gender-expansive in addition to all Ohio music educators for a day of masterclasses, clinics, fellowship and learning.

Jazz Arts Group in partnership with Dr. Colleen Clark and the University of South Carolina School of Music present the inaugural JAZZ GIRLS DAY, an annual initiative that invites and inspires girls from Ohio to join the jazz faculty for a day filled with learning, playing, and performing. One of the goals of the day is to help girls around the state prepare for their All-State or Columbus Youth Jazz audition, although this is not a requirement to attend. The idea behind JAZZ GIRLS DAY is not only to welcome girls to start or continue playing jazz but also encourage Ohio music educators to encourage girls to play jazz.

This program is for all instrumentalists and vocalists (traditional AND non-traditional) at all levels. Students in grades 7-12 and college students who identify as female or gender-expansive are invited to attend. In addition, all Ohio music educators regardless of gender identity are welcome to attend.

(Gender-expansive includes cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth and any girl-identified youth. All are welcome!) Accompanying adults are welcome as well. College students will be asked to supply a background check upon registration.

Jazz Girls Day Schedule:

9 – 9:30am: Registration

9:30 – 9:35am: Welcome from the teaching faculty 

9:35 – 9:50am: Participant introductions

9:50 – 10:30am: Instrumental sectionals

10:40 – 11:20am: Live Band Q&A

11:20 – 12:00pm: Blues Ensemble Sessions (JGD songbook)

12:00 – 12:30pm: Lunch (will be provided!)

12:30 – 1:30pm:  CYJ Girls Project Clinic

1:30 – 2:15pm: Women in Jazz History with Dr. Clark

2:15 – 2:45pm: All State/Columbus Youth Jazz audition help

2:45 – 3:15pm: Band Director Session/Student Listening Session

3:15 – 4pm: Presentation of JGD certificates/Final Jam Session/Performance for Families

JGD faculty:

Dr. Colleen Clark, drums

Rachel Azbell, vocals

Jake Smith, saxophone

Kelly Shellhammer, trumpet

Jess Sneeringer, trombone

Jenna Reel, piano

Jailynn Noel, bass

We invite all Jazz Girls Day participants to attend the public Columbus Youth Jazz Girls Project final performance, which will follow the JGD at 7pm in the Lincoln Ballroom.