OMEA 2002 Conference:

Jennifer Shelton Barnes
All-State Jazz Choir Conductor

Jennifer Shelton Barnes is a highly sought-after jazz vocalist, educator, clinician and arranger throughout the U.S. and Canada. She has taught privately and directed downBeat [magazine] award-winning Vocal Jazz Ensembles at universities for over ten years, including Western Michigan University, the University of Miami, Northern Illinois University, and Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She has served as a guest conductor for District and All-State Music Festivals (including Illinois, Wisconsin, Arizona and Washington), has taught jazz vocals at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camps for four years, and her vocal arrangements are published by UNC Jazz Press. In addition to her teaching activities, Jennifer is an active performer, having recently released her debut CD recording, "You Taught My Heart" (available on Amazon.com), comprised of jazz standards from both the instrumental and vocal traditions. She has extensive experience in commercial studio work as well as live performances with big bands and small groups at jazz clubs in Chicago and throughout the midwest. Jennifer earned the Master of Music degree in Studio Music and Jazz Performance from the University of Miami (FL) and the Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University.