This past June, 63 band directors from across the United States, Canada and abroad traveled to Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, for the 11th Annual Band Director Academy. For four days, these directors learned new skills and techniques for teaching improvisation with their students. The faculty included Ronald Carter of Northern Illinois University; Reginald Thomas of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; Rodney Whitaker of Michigan State University; Terell Stafford of Temple University; and Robert Knatt, retired band director from Seattle, WA. In addition to over 40 hours of class work, the participants enjoyed a screening of the documentary CHOPS, a jam session and dinner and a concert featuring the faculty at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Here are a few highlights!

Participants at "Rehearsal Techniques for Improvisation" class with student ensemble	Participants practice the swing rhythm with member of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Middle School Jazz Academy
Lead Faculty Ronald Carter with Middle School Jazz Academy Student Len Takeda	Participants practice the "Stomp Clap" with Lead Faculty Ronald Carter
Lead Faculty Ronald Carter with Middle School Jazz Academy student Hakeem Leonce	Band Director Academy Faculty with Jazz at Lincoln Center Education Staff
L-R: Faculty members Terell Stafford, Ronald Carter and Reginald Thomas perform at the Faculty Concert at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola	Faculty Concert at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
L-R: Faculty Members Reginald Thomas, Ronald Carter, Rodney Whiatker, Terell Stafford and drummer Alvin Atkinson, Jr. perform at the Faculty Concert at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola	Faculty Concert at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola