Dr. Jefferson is the associate professor of trombone/euphonium and director of Jazz Studies at Southeast.
“We are very proud of Dr. Jefferson’s recognition by Yamaha for his inspiring work at Southeast,” said Kevin Hampton, chair of the Department of Music in the Holland College of Arts and Media. “He is a tireless advocate for his students and ensembles.”
Yamaha started the list in 2021 to recognize outstanding music educators who continue to grow and strengthen music programs across the country, both before and after the pandemic. Yamaha chose the 40 individuals for recognition from hundreds of nominations across the country. Those chosen are picked for four different characteristics: action, courage, creativity, and growth.
Jefferson has helped expand the jazz program at Southeast since he arrived in 2017. He helped with the establishment of a jazz minor in 2020, and since then has continued to recruit students and grow interest. He is a cornerstone of both the Clark Terry Jazz Festival and the Big Band Holiday Jukebox and was a founding member of the Holland College of Arts and Media Diversity Committee in 2018.
Jefferson also maintains an active performance schedule nationally and internationally. He is regularly invited to serve as guest artist, clinician and adjudicator for high school and collegiate music programs throughout the U.S. In 2022, he was named the Jazz Education Network’s Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year.
“Dr. Jefferson continues to build an exciting Jazz Studies program with the hallmarks of performance excellence and innovative repertoire,” Hampton said. “He continues to expand students’ experiential learning opportunities through interactions with guest artists, both in person and virtually, while also developing their leadership skills.”
“I am thrilled and honored with this recognition. There are truly some amazing music educators on this list,” said Jefferson. “Having the opportunity to work with students who are passionate about music and their craft is a joy. It is my hope that students who have participated in the jazz ensembles and classes under my direction go on to incorporate meaningful performance and learning opportunities for their future students to enjoy jazz for many years to come.”
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