Delve into the rich world of instrumental jazz—an educational treasure for students. A well-run jazz ensemble cultivates creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. This session, led by experienced clinicians, guides band directors in programming, rehearsing, and administering jazz programs. Learn about valuable resources for ongoing professional growth as jazz educators, while also bridging the gap for those with limited experience.
George Andrikokus
- Biographical Information
George Andrikokus is the director of bands, and instrumental jazz programs at Hinsdale Middle School. After graduating with a Bachelors of Music in Education from Elmhurst College in 2007, he taught in Addison School District #4, Bensenville School District #2, and was the director of the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage. Under his leadership, George’s students have had the opportunity to perform at contests and festivals throughout the Midwest such as the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC), The Jazz Education Network Conference, The Greater St. Louis UMSL Jazz Festival, and the 77th Annual Midwest Clinic in 2023. George is a recipient of the Quinlan & Fabish Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award, IGSMA Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor’s Award, and the ISBE ‘Those Who Excel Meritorious Award'. He now serves as the Vice President of the Illinois Grade School Music Association and has his master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Elmhurst University. In his professional career, George is an active clinician, guest artist and adjudicator in and around Illinois for various district and state honors ensembles. George has had the opportunity to not only perform and teach in and around the Midwest, but also in Australia, England, and Malta. George has had the opportunity to perform with jazz greats Bobby Shew, Jim Widner, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many others. He is a member of the National Band Association, Jazz Education Network, Illinois Music Education Association and the National Association For Music Education.
Matthew Johnson is currently enjoying his fourteenth year of teaching and eighth in Homewood School District 153 (Illinois) where he directs the James Hart Symphonic Band and Jazz Bands, co-directs the 6th Grade Concert Band, and assists with the 5th Grade Beginning Band. Prior to returning to Illinois, Mr. Johnson taught for six years in several communities across northern Ohio, most recently serving as band director and music department coordinator for the Nordonia Hills City School District (2013-16). During his tenure at James Hart, the jazz programs have seen notable growth, both in the number of participating students (resulting in the creation of a second jazz ensemble), and in performances at regional festivals and events around the community. Ensembles under his direction have performed at Lucas Oil Stadium, Severance Hall, Wentz Concert Hall, and as an opening group for the Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra,
and have consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings at IGSMA, OMEA, and Bands of America adjudicated events at the district, state, and national levels. Mr. Johnson was a 2023 recipient of the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award and has presented clinics at the Illinois Music Education Conference and Ohio Music Education
Association (OMEA) State Convention on a number of topics, including advocacy and public relations in music education, jazz pedagogy, and the integration of chamber music into a curricular program. He holds a BME from the University of Illinois and an MA from The Ohio State University.