The 2006 Central Florida Middle School Jazz Workshop was the first of its kind.  Inspired by middle school band directors whose students had experienced "high school oriented" jazz festivals,  the primary goals of the workshop were:

• A successful performance for each group, and recognition for each band at the awards ceremony

• Taped and written performance comments from qualified judges who understand the middle school jazz band

• A clinic immediately following the performance

• Exposure to outstanding jazz, played live by professional players

• Clinics for each band: style clinic, improvisation clinic, and rhythm section clinic.  Each workshop was given by one of the nation's finest jazz educators, and was aimed at inspiring the students and exposing them to new jazz concepts 

• A Directors' session featuring free materials and concepts for teaching jazz at the middle school level

• A performing "honors band" made up of members from each participating band

• The host high school jazz band in concert with clinicians 

• Awards given for best sections and soloists

Sound clips from the 2006 Workshop

• Middle School Honor Band

• Clinician's performance

• Jack Wilkins explains a rhythm section concept

• Don Zentz--In a Sentimental Mood

• J.B. Scott--Land of Make Believe

• Clinicians Zentz and Scott play with the Eau Gallie High School Jazz Band

The 2006 Workshop was supported by

Photos from the 2006 workshop