MENC Society for Jazz Education Looks to the Future

 "Music always reflects the times. In Jazz, it also points toward the future.” This thought was voiced by composer and performer Herbie Hancock as he received an American Eagle Award from the National Music Council in New York on May 21.

MENC Executive Director John Mahlmann, who also serves as Chairman of the Board and newly-elected President of the National Music Council, tied Hancock’s words into the initiatives of the MENC Society for Jazz Education. “MENC, as the organization that serves all facets of music education, has a special interest in preserving the exciting American art form of jazz in our school curricula," he said. "That’s why this year’s Music Education Week in Washington includes an Academy on jazz education – and why that Academy will mark the opening of a new discussion on the future of jazz education.”


Herbie Hancock, NMC Director David Sanders, John Mahlmann and Quincy Jones

Also honored with American Eagle Awards were composer, arranger, and producer Quincy Jones and the Hard Rock Café corporation, which was honored for its philanthropic activities.

Photo by Earl Hurrey

 --Elizabeth Lasko, May 26, 2009. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education