January 23, 2003

College of the Mainland

College of the Mainland's Professor of Music Sparky Koerner was presented the 2003 IAJE Talent Recognition Outstanding
Service Award for his vision and leadership at a recent International Association for Jazz Education Conference held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  

"It was a nice surprise to receive this award," Koerner said.  " I
have worked with many young talented community college musicians who have performed in the community college all-star jazz ensemble over the past 15 years. I believe it is a great opportunity for these musicians to work with other musicians and professionals from around the country in a setting that brings out the best of their musical abilities."  

Koerner is in his 20th year as director of instrumental music at
College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas.  He is the president of t he IAJE Texas Unit and serves on the IAJE Resource Team for Community Colleges.  He directed the IAJE Community College All-Star Jazz Ensemble at the 1996 Atlanta IAJE Conference and is the Audition Coordinator for the Texas Music Educators Association High School All-State Jazz Ensemble.