MISSION:
The New Orleans Jazz Institute (NOJI) links University of New Orleans strengths in jazz education with professional practice. It serves to promote creative excellence and best practices in Jazz composition, performance, scholarship, importation, exportation, and education. To realize its mission, NOJI will initially develop several initiatives. These initiatives will include: inviting collaboration among universities in the area, sponsoring a music training school on Saturdays for middle and secondary students, establishing and developing The University of New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (UNOJO) in conjunction with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), organizing Jazz competitions, commissioning new Jazz pieces, arranging for master-classes with globally recognized artists and hosting an annual 3-day international Jazz retreat. Irvin Mayfield, NOJI's Artistic Director, will steer the institute forward to serve as a magnet for musicians, Jazz educators, and other professionals in the music industry.