For the third consecutive year, the HHCA Eagles Jazz Band participated in the Jazz Education Network’s (JEN) Annual Conference, held in Atlanta January 8-13, 2025. The annual conference brings together jazz beginners and experts for a once-in-a lifetime experience that is "part music festival, part networking, part education and all inspiration." A variety of events offered during the four-day conference include sessions and clinics to fit every attendee’s jazz interest--jazz education, research, technology, jazz industry and the music business, improvisation, composition, panel discussions, and more. Over 7,000 attendees gathered in Atlanta from around the globe for this year's event.

During the "JENerations Jazz Festival," held during the conference, schools and community ensembles and groups perform and receive instruction and feedback from some of the most well-known educators and artists in the business. HHCA was one of only two high schools from South Carolina chosen to participate.

The HHCA Eagles Jazz Band is composed of 22 talented student musicians. Under the direction of HHCA Fine Arts Director James Berry, the band performed on Thursday and participated in numerous clinics and sessions. 

During their time at JEN’s 16th annual conference - and in addition to their own performance - the group attended more than 15 performances and clinics.  As a part of the educational requirement, students chose ten of their favorite sessions and journaled about the value of each session. 

Due to an ice storm in the area, our trip was extended by one day. The extra time allowed us to enjoy a few additional JEN sessions, and we got to explore more of Atlanta than we had originally planned. I am so grateful for an excellent group of parent chaperones who helped make this experience possible We are proud of our HHCA Eagles Jazz Band for representing HHCA with excellence and professionalism.

- James Berry, HHCA Fine Arts Director

HHCA hopes to attend the 2026 JEN conference, which will be held in New Orleans.