May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Mary Jo Papich resigned from her position as president-elect of the International Association For Jazz Education in a letter addressed to the IAJE Board and past presidents on Wednesday. Her departure is the most recent in a string of challenges facing the organization.
On Monday, IAJE President Chuck Owen sent a letter to its members describing, “the most challenging time in the association’s history.” Owen called particular attention to two situations that “threaten [the IAJE’s] ability to continue to meet its vital mission.” These “significant challenges” include the IAJE’s Campaign For Jazz and this past January’s Toronto conference.
While Owen’s letter stated that the Campaign For Jazz, which began five years ago as, “a means of endowing IAJE’s programs and thus (ironically) assuring its fiscal stability,” this endeavor, “has not performed as hoped or expected.”
“IAJE invested heavily in this campaign and has not come close to recouping its expenses, resulting in the accumulation of significant debt.”
The Toronto conference also left the organization with “an additional debilitating financial loss,” according to Owen. He mentioned attendance as slipping nearly 40% below previous years, which he attributed to, “the high cost of airfares, the weakness of the American dollar and new passport requirements for U.S. citizens.”
The result has been a mountain of debt that sources say could be more than $500,000.
IAJE executive producer Steve Baker said that the association’s financial difficulties are part of a larger economic downturn.
“It’s a hard time for non-profits, especially in the arts,” Baker said. “Even corporations are struggling now. This is not necessarily a vigorous economic time. All of that has had an impact on us.”
Papich’s departure also follows the resignation of Bill McFarlin, who stepped down from the position of IAJE executive director in Feburary.
Owen’s letter said that due to financial constraints, the board is temporarily suspending its search for a new executive director. The IAJE is also suspending its scholarship programs, production of the Jazz Education Journal and the Park City Jazz Summit in Park City, Utah.
“We need to focus on fiscal health of association,” Baker said. “Park City was suspended reluctantly after great discussion.”
Owen’s letter was part of a broader campaign to raise funds, according to Baker. These talks have included reaching out to other foundations for financial assistance.
“We’re looking at every avenue possible to restore the financial well-being of the association so that we can move forward,” Baker said.
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
