From the Ground Up: Building Stronger Rehearsals and Improvisers through Jazz Essentials
This 4-hour, hands-on, interactive workshop is designed to support jazz educators as they build, develop, and refine their jazz programs. Led by renowned educators Bethany Robinson, Julius Tolentino, and Lisa Linde, this three-session workshop will provide practical strategies, foundational knowledge, and proven rehearsal techniques to help educators navigate the unique challenges of teaching jazz.
This Pre-conference event will take place at McCormick Place West in Chicago, IL on Tuesday, December 15 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for band directors and music educators who are new to jazz or looking for fresh strategies to strengthen their jazz ensembles. Whether you're starting a new program, transitioning from concert band, orchestra or a college without jazz pedagogy, or refining your rehearsal techniques, this interactive, engaging, and practical workshop will leave you inspired and equipped to help your students swing with confidence!
Participants must bring their own instrument (ALL instruments welcome). Rhythm section backline will be provided as follows: Drumset & cymbals, keyboard & amp, guitar amp, bass amp, Yamaha Silent Bass
Attendees will be able to add registration for this event at the end of their Midwest Clinic Conference Registration. Due to limited seating, only Professional and College Student registrants are eligible to attend. Conference registration opens August 1st.
Registration Fees:
- Directors $100
- College Students $50
Tentative Schedule
1:00 - 1:20: Introductions
1:20 - 2:20 PM: Session 1 - Rehearsal Essentials: From Set Up to Warm Up (60 minutes)
Presented by Bethany Robinson
This session lays the groundwork for a strong and sustainable jazz program by addressing key administrative and musical considerations. From program setup and recruiting to rehearsal planning and warm-ups, participants will gain the tools needed to build a thriving jazz ensemble.
2:30 - 3:30 PM: Session 2 - Transition from Concert Band to Jazz Band (60 minutes)
Presented by Lisa Linde
This session will present general tips plus large group improvisation.
3:40 - 4:40 PM: Session 3 -Deeper Dive into Beginning Improvisation
Presented by Julius Tolentino
This session will include tips and improvisation techniques for beginners.
4:40 - 5:00 PM: Wrap-up
Clinicians
Bethany Robinson is a Yamaha Performing Artist, GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist, Recording Academy Member, and JEN Executive Board Member. She is currently the Director of Jazz for Purdue University after building the program at Noblesville High School (Indiana) from 1 to 6 jazz ensembles, including 2 Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Finalist appearances.
Robinson’s awards include Indiana Jazz Educator of the Year, Noblesville Teacher of the Year, Indiana Outstanding High School Music Educator of the Year, and Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award.
Bethany has presented in Australia, Scotland, the Midwest Clinic, State MEA Conferences (NY/OK/IN/OH/SC), guest conducted all-state jazz ensembles (NY, IA, NC), and a chief adjudicator for the Victorian Schools’ Jazz Festival (Melbourne, Australia). She is a clinician and adjudicator for Jazz at Lincoln Center, YAMAHA, Music for All and independently. Bethany is an avid performer on upright bass, electric bass, and vocals.
Julius Tolentino: Saxophonist and educator Julius Tolentino has been a key figure on the New York jazz scene for over 30 years, performing with artists like Louis Hayes, Illinois Jacquet, the Mingus Big Band, and Hargrove Big Band. A Hartt School graduate, he studied under NEA Jazz Master Jackie McLean, who connected him with Illinois Jacquet, pivotal mentors in his journey. Since 2007, Julius has led Newark Academy’s jazz program, with his ensembles winning numerous top competitions. He also teaches at Princeton and Montclair State University and directs Jazz at Lincoln Center’s High School Jazz Academy. Julius has presented clinics and conducted All-State Jazz Bands nationwide. His awards include NJ Jazz Musician of the Year by Inside Jersey (2010), the Illinois Jacquet Jazz Educator of the Year (2013), and NJ Jazz Education Achievement Award (2018). Honored with DownBeat’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Jazz Education in 2024, Julius continues to educate through JTole Music, offering workshops and resources to jazz students worldwide.
Lisa Linde is an award-winning jazz educator recognized for building dynamic, high-achieving music programs from the ground up. At Newton South High School, she has led an ensemble program earning top honors at state and national festivals, including nine consecutive finalist selections (2018–2026) at the Charles Mingus Jazz Festival and three appearances at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Festival.
A passionate advocate for gender equity in jazz, Linde is the founder of Jazzhers, a nonprofit empowering young women, non-binary, and underrepresented musicians through mentorship, performance, and community.
Her many accolades include the John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year (2025), MICCA Hall of Fame (2022), NFHS Outstanding Music Educator Award for Massachusetts (2023), and the DownBeat Achievement Award for Jazz Education (2025). A Grammy Music Educator Semifinalist, Linde is also an active adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor nationwide.
Event Sponsors:
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