Maine Motif Issue 2, Vol. II (Winter, 2018) | Page 28
present sessions on teaching improvisation to middle school and novice high school
students, as well as instrument-specific presentations on teaching jazz style. The lineup
of presenters also includes experienced educator, adjudicator, and composer, Terry
White, who will offer a session on preparing a jazz ensemble from the adjudicator’s
perspective. Terry’s many years of adjudicating experience give him a unique
Craig Skeffington
Terry White
perspective on all aspects of preparing a jazz group, including literature selection,
adherence to style, and teaching improvisation. Craig Skeffington, a gifted composer
and veteran educator, will host a jazz ensemble reading session geared toward middle
school and high school directors. This provides a valuable opportunity to explore new
and classic literature. A live big band will be on hand to perform the literature and
discuss its merits.
Best wishes for an inspiring spring term!
Mike Sakash holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Saxophone
Performance, African American/Jazz Studies, and Music Education, as well as a Master’s
degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music.
Before settling in New Hampshire Mike was Associate Professor of Music at Washington &
Jefferson College (PA). Currently, he is a full-time faculty member at Fryeburg Academy, in
Fryeburg, ME, and serves as a guest artist and clinician at music festivals throughout the
country. He has performed, recorded, and toured with the Phoenix Jazz Project and the
Traverser Saxophone Quartet, in addition to being a regular member of the Portland Jazz
Orchestra. You can contact Mike at [email protected].