Savannah Music Festival (SMF) announces its SMF Jazz Academy (SMFJA) Music Director Fellowship program, a year-long music education position. SMF Jazz Academy (Ron & Susan Whitaker, founding sponsors)  is a free after-school jazz program for 5th and 6th graders housed at the School of Humanities at Juliette Gordon Low Elementary. 

All program elements are free for participants, including instruments, weekly private and group lessons, semester-end performances, materials for at-home practice, homework support, daily snacks and dinner, and transportation to and from the program site by Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS). The fellow will work closely with Artistic Educator in Residence, Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Program Manager Jessica Messere, receiving mentorship and professional development. “The Savannah Music Festival is one of the greatest in the world not just because of the level of artistry that they present annually, but coupled with the charm and reception from the Savannah audiences, makes it incredible to be part of as a frequent performer,” says Owens.

“To receive the opportunity to work with the Jazz Academy and Music Director Fellow program as Artistic Educator in Residence is very much in tandem with my goals as an artist, creative entrepreneur and educator. I believe that SMFJA is on the cutting edge of expanding their creative vision to include educating the next generation of emerging jazz performers that will assist in keeping this necessary art form alive and swinging.” 

Candidates will be vetted through an application process including the submission of a curriculum vitae, mock lesson plans, letters of recommendation, and a personal video discussing thoughts about music education and social justice. Preference is given to those who have already completed undergraduate studies in music and/or music education, though highly-qualified candidates will be considered. Applications received before June 19, 2020 will have priority review, and submissions close on June 30, 2020. The Fellowship includes a modest stipend and begins on August 1, 2020. For complete application information, visit https://www.savannahmusicfestival.org/education-programs/jazz-academy/.