The International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC) announces new leadership to advance the impact of jazz composers and arrangers on music. John Beasley was appointed President, succeeding co-founder Chuck Owen, whose vision and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organization.
“I am fortunate to receive the baton from Owen, who has left a solid and well marked footprint, says John Beasley. “I’m most excited to bond and exchange ideas with our current and new members across the globe to help each other further our personal and collective artistic growth, which ultimately furthers the art of arranging and composing. From joining and participating in ISJAC’s online workshops and attending the recent conference in Nashville, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of cross-pollination with members. Whether it’s pushing our personal musical aesthetics and boundaries, learning new tools, or discussing the progress of our art, the experience has been invaluable.”
2024 APPOINTMENTS
President: John Beasley
Vice President of Membership: Mike Conrad
Vice President of Development: Erica von Kleist
Board Members: Billy Childs, Patrice Rushen and Rio Sakairi
Note: Chuck Owen remains on the Board of Directors as Immediate Past President.
ABOUT ISJAC LEADERSHIP
John Beasley is an original artist with a highly expressive and personal style. He began his career in his 20s backing jazz icons Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. Since then, he has become a multifaceted musician as a pianist, composer, and arranger. He has 20 solo recordings and worked on 100s of film, TV, commercial projects and recordings. As a music director, Beasley has led tours for Steely Dan, Queen Latifah, A.R. Rahman, Chucho Valdés and has directed several TV singing competitions. He serves as Music Director for the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz leading global gala concerts for UNESCO’s annual International Jazz Day. His direction of the 2016 concert “Jazz at the White House” earned him an Emmy nomination. Beasley has received two GRAMMY awards, 12 nominations and two Latin Grammy nominations. Over the past five years, he has arranged, composed and conducted various projects for big bands and symphonic orchestras, including producing award-winning recordings. Beasley brings a wealth of experience working with global artists and music from India to Africa and brings a fresh perspective to ISJAC.
Billy Childs is a celebrated pianist and composer, known for his creative compositions and Grammy-winning recordings.
Mike Conrad is a renowned jazz composer, arranger, pianist, and educator, recognized for his dynamic approach to music and his dedication to fostering new talent in the jazz community.
Patrice Rushen, a multi-talented musician and composer, has made significant contributions to the music industry as both a performer and an educator.
Rio Sakairi is the Artistic Director at The Jazz Gallery, where she has curated numerous groundbreaking performances and supported emerging artists.
Erica von Kleist is a distinguished flutist, saxophonist, and composer, known for her contributions to both the jazz and entrepreneurial music worlds.