NSU Jazz Orchestra selected to perform at Oklahoma Music Educators Association conference
NSU Jazz Orchestra selected to perform at Oklahoma Music Educators Association conference
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University’s (NSU) Jazz Orchestra has been selected as the only collegiate ensemble to perform at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) conference in January 2027.
Each year, OkMEA selects two to three high school ensembles and one collegiate ensemble through a competitive audition process to perform at the state conference. NSU was selected as the conference’s sole collegiate jazz ensemble, earning the opportunity to represent collegiate music at a state level.
NSU’s Jazz Orchestra will return to the OkMEA conference stage for the first time since 2012, joining a small group of ensembles chosen to represent music education in Oklahoma.
Dr. Jordan VanHemert, director of Jazz Studies, said the selection reflects the dedication and work ethic of NSU’s jazz students.
“There’s a real desire among the student body to do something really special and to create something that they can be really proud of,” VanHemert said. “Our students have always had a great work ethic and they have a lot of heart. These things are very helpful when you’re auditioning for opportunities like this.”
This distinction is particularly notable for NSU, whose music program focuses primarily on undergraduate-level courses while competing against regional institutions with graduate-level music programs.
In addition to the orchestra’s performance, VanHemert will present a masterclass at the conference for the second consecutive year.
“This selection reflects the talent, dedication and strength of our jazz orchestra,” said NSU President Rodney Hanley. “Being selected as the only collegiate jazz ensemble to perform at OkMEA is an exceptional opportunity for students to showcase their work on a statewide stage and represent NSU as one of the state’s finest music educations.”
The NSU Jazz Orchestra will play Jan. 21, 2027, 7:30 p.m., at the Arvest Convention Center.
For more information about NSU Music, visit nsuok.edu/music.
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