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New Jersey Association for Jazz Education

Region Jazz Bands and Jazz Choirs 2026

The New Jersey Association for Jazz Education is pleased to present regional jazz bands in each of its three regions. A senior high school jazz band (grades 9-12) and junior high school jazz band (grades 7-9) will rehearse and present a concert as listed below. For more information on how to audition for these ensembles, please visit the auditions page.

​The New Jersey Association for Jazz Education is pleased to present regional jazz choirs and combos in each of its three regions. These ensembles (some regions vary year to year) will rehearse and present a concert as listed below. For more information on how to audition for regional jazz choir, please visit the auditions page. Combo members are chosen from the band auditions.

Region Jazz Acceptance Fees

Students accepted to Region Jazz Bands and Choirs may pay their acceptance fee here via credit or debit card without any additional fees.

REGION I (NORTH)

High School Jazz Band Director: Nelson Mendez
​Junior High School Jazz Band Director: Ken Adessa
Combo Advisor: Ari Ocasio
Jazz Choir Director: Debbie Gianuzzi

Rehearsal: Monday, March 23, 2026 4-9 pm @ Parsippany Hills High School
Rehearsal: Monday, April 13, 2026 4-9 pm @ Parsippany Hills High School
Rehearsal: Thursday, April 16, 2026 4-9 pm @ Parsippany Hills High School
Rehearsal: Saturday, April 18, 2026 8 - 11 am @ Parsippany Hills High School
Concert: Sunday, April 19, 2026 3 pm @ Parsippany Hills High School

REGION II (CENTRAL)

High School Jazz Band Director: Garrett Faccone
​Junior High School Jazz Band Director: Tom Bonomo
Combo Advisor: Sean Hack
Jazz Choir Director: Megan Suozzo

NOTE: ALL LOCATIONS LISTED ARE TENTATIVE

Rehearsal: Monday, March 23, 2026 4-9 pm @ Piscataway High School 
Rehearsal: Monday, April 13, 2026 4-9 pm @ Piscataway High School
Rehearsal: Thursday, April 16, 2026 4-9 pm @ Piscataway High School
Rehearsal: Saturday, April 18, 2026 8 - 11 am @ Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School
Concert: Sunday, April 19, 2026 3 pm @ Piscataway High School

REGION III (SOUTH)

High School Jazz Band Director: Kathleen Mitchell
​Junior High School Jazz Band Director: Tim Trout
Combo Advisor: Luke Bakanas
Jazz Choir Director: Christina Blankenship

Rehearsal: Monday, March 23, 2026 4-9 pm @ Cinnaminson HS
Rehearsal: Monday, April 13, 2026 4-9 pm @ Cinnaminson HS
Rehearsal: Thursday, April 16, 2026 4-9 pm @ Cinnaminson HS
Rehearsal: Saturday, April 18, 2026 8 - 11 am @ Cinnaminson HS
Concert: Sunday, April 19, 2026 3 pm @ Cinnaminson HS
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