The associate professor of music presented at the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education Conference
Director of Choral Activities Stephen A. Futrell was invited to present for the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education conference Jan. 17-20, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As part of Futrell’s presence, he worked with the All-State Jazz Ensemble vocalists in individual coaching lessons and presented an open master class on vocal health and technique, jazz style and improvisation.
“Your LAJE workshop presentation was fabulous, helping students and teachers to seriously consider phrasing and delivery of a song,” said Doug Stone, president of LAJE and LSU Director of Jazz Studies. “All vocalists in attendance were able to walk out of the workshop with actionable concepts that they could immediately put into practice. And the student vocalists you worked with demonstrated noticeable improvement after simply applying your first suggestion! You truly worked wonders with the 2026 LMEA All State Jazz vocalists during your workshop. However, your efforts and willingness to share your teaching in hours of sessions above and beyond your workshop were truly remarkable and inspirational. I have never witnessed a presenter at a conference be willing to spend hours observing rehearsals, working with students in group and private lessons, and contributing helpful ideas and suggestions throughout a multiple-day visit. The work that you did with the All State Jazz vocalists and many others during the conference helped our students perform a stellar concert – the best I have heard in my eight years in Louisiana. I am hopeful that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful association with you, LAJE, LMEA, and me! Thank you, Stephen!”
As part of Futrell’s trip, he was also invited to work with two choral programs in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system and appeared as a guest artist for the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council’s AC23+ Artist Legacy Series audio/video podcast. The interview streams on YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify Podcasts and Apple Podcasts. View the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOJBEFxul_Q