I remember the first IAJE conference I attended, at eighteen. I didn’t understand how so many of my teachers, mentors, and idols seemed to be so casual about missing sessions or concerts I viewed as essential. I had my conference schedule obsessively highlighted and mentally practiced the paths I needed to take during the ten-minute breaks between sessions.
Of course, now I’m watching attendees of the JEN (Jazz Educators Network) Annual Conference and what I’m most jealous of is the in-between. The moments in between the official events.
I’m jealous of the opportunity to reconnect with peers, friends, mentors. To connect over lunch or dinner with someone I otherwise only see on Facebook. (Because let’s be honest, 5 minutes in person is a stronger catch-up than a year’s worth of Facebook posts.)
My life trajectory hasn’t afforded me the opportunity to prioritize joining JEN in the last decade, let alone attend the conference – but as I solidify my reconnection to vocal jazz through Shades of Blue, I am anticipating the day that I’ll return to a jazz conference. And while I’ll enjoy the brilliant presenters and lovingly prepared concerts, I’ll live for the in-between.