Congratulations to Brother Joseph Jefferson, who was recognized on January 6, 2022, by the Jazz Education Network with the Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year Award.

This award, named after Brother Ellis Marsallis, Jr. (Delta Epsilon Chapter – 1965), recognizes an outstanding collegiate or university educator with a focus on jazz education, who represents the highest standards of teaching and whose results in the classroom have brought distinction to their institution and their students.

Brother Jefferson is the Assistant Professor of Trombone/Euphonium and Director of Jazz Studies at Southeast Missouri State University. As a soloist, chamber musician, sideman, educator, and adjudicator, Joseph maintains an active schedule in Classical, Jazz, and Commercial musical settings.

In 2009, he was initiated into Phi Mu Alpha by the Nu Psi Chapter at Shenandoah University.

Dr. Jefferson has been an invited guest artist and presenter at the International Trombone Festival, Jazz Education Network Conference, Washington State Music Educators Association Conference, Louisiana Music Educators Association Conference, Jazz Institute of Chicago, NAfME – Eastern Division Conference, International Horn Symposium, Reno Jazz Festival, University of Evansville Brass & Percussion Day, Weber State University, and Mineral Area College.

As a performer, Joseph has shared the stage with a variety of groups and artists such as Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Wharton, Sean Jones, Andre Hayward, John Fedchock, The Colour of Music Orchestra, Paducah Symphony, The Irish Tenors, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Zoltan Kiss (Mnozil Brass), Jae Sinnett, Mike Berkowitz, Christopher Bill, and international R&B artists Dwele and Raheem Devaughn among others. Internationally, Dr. Jefferson has also had performing and teaching residencies in Bermuda and Asia at the College of Music, Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.

Dr. Jefferson has earned degrees from Norfolk State University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and West Virginia University under the tutelage of esteemed faculty; including, Dr. Keith Jackson, Dr. Wayne Wells, Dr. Mike Hall, and Mr. Paul Adams. He has also received instruction from Joseph Alessi, Andre Hayward, Amanda Stewart, Vincent Gardner, and Dr. Natalie Mannix. Joseph is an S.E. Shires and Giddings Mouthpieces Performing Artist.

Congratulations on this honor, Brother!