The New Jersey Jazz Education Achievement Award

On an annual basis, the NJAJE Board of Directors is proud to nominate a New Jersey jazz educator who has demonstrated the highest standards of teaching excellence and dedication to the jazz education community. The award is presented annually in November at the State Jazz Conference and again at the final concert of the NJ All State Jazz Ensemble and NJ Honors Jazz Choir at NJPAC. A commemorative plaque is presented to each recipient.

2017 Awardee: Mr. David Thomas May

Mr. David Thomas May is named as the recipient of the 2017 Jazz Education Achievement Award. Mr. May has just completed his 35th year as a music educator, of which the past 26 years have been dedicated to Burlington City High School. During his tenure, the BCHS Jazz Band has been named as a NJ State Jazz Festival Finalist 18 times.
 
Mr. May served on the NJAJE Board of Directors for 13 years, during which time he fulfilled the roles of Region III President, State Secretary, and most recently, State President. He was a key player in the start up of a state Vocal Jazz program, with his vocal jazz ensemble participating in the inaugural Vocal Jazz Festival this past year.
 
As a professional musician, Mr. May sets high standards with his jazz combo, The DTM project, having recorded 4 CDs. He is a popular and highly requested performer on piano, organ, and keyboards.

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Past Awardees

Don Braden
Clem De Rosa
​Denis Di Blasio
Dr. Diana Dohrmann
Richard Graham
Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel
Jeffrey Haas
Brian Height
​Jeffrey Lesser
Joel Perry
​Rufus Reid
​Ray Wiggins
Wilbur Witteman