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 All State Jazz Choir at NJPAC. A commemorative plaque is presented to each recipient.
2021 Awardee: Mr. Wayne Dillon
Wayne Dillon holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Education from York University in Toronto, Canada, and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance/Pedagogy from The University of Miami, Florida.
Over the course of the past 20 years, he has served as Director of Bands at Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth N.J. In his tenure, the Elizabeth HS Symphonic and Jazz programs have consistently earned superior ratings and distinguished rankings within the State of New Jersey. In addition, the EHS marching band was awarded three consecutive State Championships from 2005-2007. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 the marching band was named USSBA State and National Champions in group VA. Wayne was awarded the State of New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for his work with the music program at Elizabeth High School.
Wayne was recently appointed as Chief Judge for Winter Guard International in the Winds division. He is also an adjudicator for Drum Corps International and Bands of America . He has judged the prestigious National Championships for all three organizations over the past thirty years. Currently, Wayne is serving as a music judge liaison for DCI, responsible for judge assignments and training. Additionally, he is an educational clinician for Conn-Selmer Music and travels the country working with diverse band programs.
Formerly, Wayne served as the Brass Caption Head for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also worked on the music staff of the ten- time World Champion -The Cadets, serving as the music supervisor in 2002. In 2010-2011, Wayne served as a staff member for the US Army All American Marching Band. Recently, Wayne was honored with his induction into The Buglers Hall of Fame in 2020.
Wayne has played trumpet with The Studio Jazz Band and the Art Blakey Jazz Ensemble from the University of Miami. As a performing recording artist, Wayne has played with Jeff Healey, Albert Collins, KC and the Sunshine Band, Al Chez (from the Dave Letterman band), Steve Brosky, The Meteors, Jay and the Technics, Don Mayer, Tower Suite and The Hamilton Philharmonic.
Over the course of the past 20 years, he has served as Director of Bands at Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth N.J. In his tenure, the Elizabeth HS Symphonic and Jazz programs have consistently earned superior ratings and distinguished rankings within the State of New Jersey. In addition, the EHS marching band was awarded three consecutive State Championships from 2005-2007. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 the marching band was named USSBA State and National Champions in group VA. Wayne was awarded the State of New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for his work with the music program at Elizabeth High School.
Wayne was recently appointed as Chief Judge for Winter Guard International in the Winds division. He is also an adjudicator for Drum Corps International and Bands of America . He has judged the prestigious National Championships for all three organizations over the past thirty years. Currently, Wayne is serving as a music judge liaison for DCI, responsible for judge assignments and training. Additionally, he is an educational clinician for Conn-Selmer Music and travels the country working with diverse band programs.
Formerly, Wayne served as the Brass Caption Head for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also worked on the music staff of the ten- time World Champion -The Cadets, serving as the music supervisor in 2002. In 2010-2011, Wayne served as a staff member for the US Army All American Marching Band. Recently, Wayne was honored with his induction into The Buglers Hall of Fame in 2020.
Wayne has played trumpet with The Studio Jazz Band and the Art Blakey Jazz Ensemble from the University of Miami. As a performing recording artist, Wayne has played with Jeff Healey, Albert Collins, KC and the Sunshine Band, Al Chez (from the Dave Letterman band), Steve Brosky, The Meteors, Jay and the Technics, Don Mayer, Tower Suite and The Hamilton Philharmonic.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, All State Jazz Ensembles will not be presenting a live concert in November. Mr. Dillon has been gracious enough to issue the following acceptance speech video in lieu of the typical presentation during the All State concert.
Past Awardees
Don Braden
Anthony Branker
Clem De Rosa
David Demsey
Andrew DeNicola
Denis Di Blasio
Clem DeRosa
Dr. Diana Dohrmann
Bill Garton
Richard Graham
Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel
Jeffrey Haas
Brian Height
Jeffrey Lesser
John Lindner
David Thomas May
Joel Perry
Earl Phillips
Rufus Reid
Michael Russo
Julius Tolentino
Ray Wiggins
Wilbur Witteman
Anthony Branker
Clem De Rosa
David Demsey
Andrew DeNicola
Denis Di Blasio
Clem DeRosa
Dr. Diana Dohrmann
Bill Garton
Richard Graham
Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel
Jeffrey Haas
Brian Height
Jeffrey Lesser
John Lindner
David Thomas May
Joel Perry
Earl Phillips
Rufus Reid
Michael Russo
Julius Tolentino
Ray Wiggins
Wilbur Witteman