The 2025 SCBDA All-State Jazz Band Clinic will be on the campus of Newberry College on February 27 – March 1, 2025.
2025 South Carolina All-State Jazz Bands
| South Carolina All-State Jazz Bands Chairman: Ronnie Ward
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Auditions: January 25, 2025 @ Lexington High School |
Clinic: February 27 – March 1, 2025 @ Newberry College |
2025 All-State Jazz Band Clinicians
Michele Fernández is a published composer/arranger, active clinician/guest conductor, educator and performer, as well as a member of Phi Beta Mu (Omega Chapter). Her works for both Jazz and Wind Ensemble are represented by various publishers including Hal Leonard, Excelcia, Doug Beach/Kendor and Murphy Music Press, Print MS, as well as her own company Michele Fernández/GiraSoul Music, and have been performed (as well as clinics presented) at Midwest, CBDNA, JEN, IAJE, various MEA’s All-State/Regional bands. Most recently, Michele’s composition, “Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts,” was the recipient of the 2023 CBDNA Composition Award.
Michele serves ensembles of all ages across the country through virtual or in-person clinics and Artist-in-Residence events. She recently retired from teaching after 30 years, where her Miami HS ensembles earned top honors and gained international acclaim despite being a Title One school with minimal resources. Her groups have been selected for appearances at the Midwest Clinic (Chicago ’93 & ’98), IAJE (Boston ’94, NY ’97), Montreux Jazz Fest (Switzerland ’96), FMEA and national publications. Michele has featured on “CBS Sunday Morning”, Band Director’s Guide and Downbeat Magazine. She has also taught SPED, ESOL, HS English and Chemistry. Before focusing on writing, she served as an oboist in the Miami area, and spent several years as a rhythm section member of a busy local Afro-Latin/Jazz ensemble. As a composer/clinician: Michele views writing and clinics as an opportunity to discuss important aspects of life, while also focusing on the art form of performance, and in so doing, to help others gain more self-confidence and an increased awareness of compassion for others that will lead to success in all areas of life.
A dynamic force in the jazz world, Jen Krupa is an accomplished performer, educator, and leader. Renowned for her exceptional musicianship, transformative teaching, and dedicated service to the jazz community, her influence extends across generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.
Throughout her career, Krupa has shared the stage with an extraordinary roster of musicians. A versatile trombonist, she has performed with luminaries such as Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, Miguel Zenón, Jon Faddis, Bill Watrous, Wycliffe Gordon, Seamus Blake, Eddie Daniels, Jane Monheit, Ingrid Jensen, Sean Jones, Michael Bublé, Pat Metheny, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Diane Schuur, Nancy Wilson, John Clayton, Marlena Shaw and many more. She is the lead trombonist in the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and her performances have graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Krupa is also a dedicated educator and mentor, currently serving as a faculty member at The Juilliard School, where she coaches small ensembles. She has previously taught jazz trombone at the University of Maryland and conducted guest clinics, masterclasses, and adjudications across the United States. Her work includes guest conductor roles with the University of Scranton World Premiere Composition Series Concert, the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and high school honor jazz ensembles, as well as presentations at major conferences such as the Jazz Educators Network, Midwest Clinic, and the International Trombone Festival.
A prolific arranger and composer, Krupa has contributed original works and arrangements to a wide variety of ensembles, featured in recordings and performances across the globe. Her extensive discography spans nearly 30 recordings, with artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Johnny Mandel, Ted Nash, Kristen Lee Sergeant, Leigh Pilzer, the Scott Silbert Big Band, the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra.
In her two-decade tenure with the United States Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble, Krupa held multiple key roles, including music director, arranger, tour manager, operations and personnel manager, and trombonist. She contributed significantly to the ensemble’s national profile, collaborating with artists such as Melissa Aldana, Terrell Stafford, Jason Mraz, Sean Jones, and James Taylor. The Commodores have recorded two of her arrangements, “Freight Trane” and “Four on Six.”
Krupa’s educational journey began in Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in jazz studies from the University of North Florida, studying with Rich Matteson, Bunky Green, and Jack Peterson. She continued her studies at The Juilliard School as part of its inaugural jazz studies class, completing an Artist Diploma in 2003, studying trombone with Wycliffe Gordon and arranging with David Berger. In 2010, she completed her Master of Music in jazz studies at the University of Maryland, studying trombone with Jim McFalls.
Audition Resources
Click Here to view the All-State Jazz Ensemble audition information.
Click Here to view the All-State Jazz Combo audition information.
Click Here to view instructional guides for Rhythm Section instruments.
Please contact Ronnie Ward for more information regarding the SCBDA All-State Jazz events.