MIAJE


The Michigan Association for Jazz Education aims
to actively support jazz education, performance and
heighten awareness throughout the state,
bridging the upper and lower
peninsula and the
Great Lakes
area.


      
 





Events

Vocal Jazz

Links

Board Members

Communications




  
 
Education


Fine Arts High School

Interlochen Center for the Arts


Colleges and Universities

Adrian College
Albion College
Alpena Community College
Alma College
Andrews University
Aquinas College
Calvin College
Central Michigan University
Concordia College
Cornerstone University
Delta College
Eastern Michigan University
Ferris State University
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Valley State University
Henry Ford Community College
Hillsdale College
Hope College
Jackson Community College
Kalamazoo College
Kellogg Community College
Lake Michigan College
Lansing Community College
Macomb Community College - Center Campus
Madonna University
Marygrove College
Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University
Monroe County Community College
Mott Community College
Muskegon Community College
Northern Michigan University
Northwestern Michigan College
Oakland Community College
Oakland University
Olivet College
Rochester College
Saginaw Valley State University
Schoolcraft College
Siena Heights University
Southwestern Michigan College
Spring Arbor University
University of Michigan
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University


TopTop


Interlochen Center for the Arts
Interlochen Arts Academy
Jazz Studies Department
P.O. Box 199
Interlochen, MI   49643
Ph:  (231) 276-7200

Website:   http://www.interlochen.org/academy/

Jazz DirectorBill Sears, Coordinator of Jazz Studies
http://www.interlochen.org/academy/faculty/music_3?expand=23
Ph:  (231) 276-7894

e-Mail:  searswa@interlochen.org
Saxophonist Bill Sears has served as the director of jazz studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy since 1987.  Sears came to Interlochen from the Chicago area where he led an active career as a freelance musician and teacher at the American Conservatory of Music.  He has toured the U.S. and Europe with the Ray Charles band (1986) and shared the stage with many jazz luminaries including Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Art Farmer, Geoff Keezer, Rick Margitza, and saxophonist Bill Evans.

As an active performer, Bill has two recent recordings, “Chasin’ The Goal” with Margitza joining his quintet, and “With One Accord”, his latest CD featuring his current 7-piece group, the Arts Center Jazz Collective.  Each CD features his engaging saxophone along with several original compositions.  Showing respect for the heritage of the tenor saxophone, Sears encompasses the entire spectrum of the instrument's tradition, from lush ballads reminiscent of the great swing and bebop masters to the searing intensity of today’s music.  Sears is a performing artist/clinician for the Selmer Corporation in Elkhart, IN.


  Faculty:   http://www.interlochen.org/academy/faculty/music_3
Bands:  Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo
IAA Jazz Ensemble
The 17-member Jazz Ensemble is the flagship performing band in the jazz program.  This stellar unit is considered one of the finest high school jazz ensembles in the country while earning numerous awards, including several “db” awards from Downbeat magazine.  It was chosen as a finalist at the 1998 and 2003 Essentially Ellington Competition held at Lincoln Center.

IAA Jazz Combo
The Jazz Combo features 6-8 of the more experienced and advanced musicians in the program.  The band provides opportunities for musicians to develop improvisational skills to their highest potential. 

Both bands have performed in Arizona, California, New York, Chicago, and throughout Michigan.


Profile:
Interlochen Arts Academy, the nation’s first and foremost boarding fine arts high school, unites students with others who value their highest aspirations, creating a close-knit artist community. Four-hundred fifty of the world’s most talented and motivated young artists study music, theatre, dance, visual arts, creative writing and motion picture arts in a college-like setting.  They find in the Academy a fast-paced, creative environment that challenges, inspires and focuses their talents.  While producing more than 250 artistic presentations in the school year, Academy students also master a rigorous college-preparatory academic curriculum that prepares them to take prominent roles in a whole universe of professional endeavors.
  • 450+ students
  • 300+ faculty and staff
  • 40+ states and 15+ countries represented
  • 38 Presidential Scholars, more than any other school
  • 250+ presentations
  • Dozens of guest artist master classes annually
  • 1,200-acre wooded campus with educational, recreational and performance facilities
Since 1987 the jazz program has expanded to include two levels of jazz improvisation, a daily jazz history class, and one combo in addition to the award-winning 17-piece jazz ensemble. The department is recognized as one of the top jazz programs in the country.  During the past 15 years it has earned Downbeat magazine's “db” award 11 times.  The jazz ensemble has twice been named a finalist at the Essentially Ellington Competition held at Lincoln Center (1998, 2003). Alumni of the program can be found at all of the top jazz conservatories and universities, and many are leading active professional careers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and other major cities. 

Distinguished IAA alumni holding professional jazz credentials include saxophonist Bob Mintzer, composer-pianist-bassist Chris Brubeck, drummer Dan Brubeck, violinist Regina Carter, drummer Peter Erskine, vocalist Cedric Dent, drummer Clarence Penn, trumpeter Byron Stripling, trumpeter Allen Vizzutti, trumpeter Walter White,
singer Norah Jones, and trombonist Bruce Paulson.


Awards:

Interlochen Center for the Arts Receives
National Medal of Arts
** President George W. Bush Honors 10 Recipients **
** in White House Ceremony **


Washington, D.C. - President George W. Bush honored recipients of the 2006 National Medal of Arts on Thursday, November 9.  Ten medals were presented by the President and Mrs. Laura Bush in an Oval Office ceremony at the White House.  The National Endowment for the Arts manages the National Medal of Arts nomination process and notified the artists of their selection to receive a medal, the nation's highest honor for artistic excellence.

"These individuals and organizations have all made enduring contributions to the artistic life of our nation," said National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia. "Whether by translating the masterpieces of Latin American literature or bringing genius to the design of everyday objects or simply preserving the great musical heritage of New Orleans, their work has enriched our national culture."

The 2006 National Medal of Arts Recipients:

  • William Bolcom, classical composer, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Cyd Charisse, dancer, Los Angeles, CA
  • Roy R. DeCarava, photographer, Brooklyn, NY
  • Wilhelmina Holladay, arts patron, Washington, DC
  • Interlochen Center for the Arts, school of fine arts, Interlochen, MI
  • Erich Kunzel, conductor, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati, OH
  • Preservation Hall Jazz Band, jazz ensemble, New Orleans, LA
  • Gregory Rabassa, literary translator, Brooklyn, NY
  • Viktor Schreckengost, industrial designer/sculptor, Cleveland, OH
  • Dr. Ralph Stanley, bluegrass musician, Coeburn, VA

NEA IAA White House Reception
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush stand with recipients of the 2006 National Medal of Arts in the Oval Office Thursday, Nov., 9, 2006. Pictured from left,: Ben Jaffe and his mother Sandra Jaffe, directo and co-founder of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band; Literary Translator Gregory Rabassa; Dancer Cyd Charisse; Photographer Roy DeCarava; Industrial Designer Viktor Schreckengost; Musician Dr. Ralph Stanley; Arts patron Wilhelmina Holladay; Composer William Bolcom; Interlochen Center for the Arts CEO Jeffrey Kimpton; and NEA Chairman Dana Gola.  White House photo by Paul Morse


The National Endowment for the Arts gratefully acknowledges The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities for its support of the 2006 National Medal of Arts.

Established by Congress in 1984, the National Medal of Arts is awarded to individuals or groups who, in the President's judgment, are deserving of special recognition for outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States. Each year, the National Endowment for the Arts receives nominations for the award from across the country. The National Council on the Arts, the Endowment's advisory body, reviews the nominations and provides recommendations to the President, who selects the recipients. The process is secret, and Interlochen was not aware that it was under consideration.

In announcing the selection, the National Endowment for the Arts recognized Interlochen both for the extraordinary contributions the organization has made over its 79-year history and for the dynamic initiatives of the past few years that are keeping Interlochen on the cutting edge of arts education today and into the future.

Founded in 1927 as the National High School Orchestra Camp, the institution soon became known simply as "Interlochen" and quickly increased in scope to include other arts disciplines and programs. From an unlikely location in the woods of northern Michigan emerged a growing cultural and arts community with national influence. Today Interlochen also encompasses the country’s first boarding high school in the arts, a public radio network, a year-round arts festival, an elementary and middle school, and an expanding adult education program. Nearly 90,000 artists have learned and been inspired at Interlochen and hundreds of thousands more are engaged annually.

In a press release statement
Interlochen President Jeffrey Kimpton proclaimed,
"It is not an overstatement to say that Interlochen has played a key role in the developent of high quality music and art programs in public schools throughout the entire country. In 1928, Interlochen was a pioneer in the area of arts education. Today, the cross-pollination of arts that can only be found here continues to attract some of the most talented and dynamic artists from around the country. After eighty years, we are still on the leading edge of arts education."

Interlochen Center for the Arts continues to innovate to meet the changing needs of the arts community. In 2005, Interlochen established an interdisciplinary high school film program, which draws on the wide range of talent that already exists at Interlochen; theatre students appear in the films; writing students work on screenplays; music students create original scores and visual artists work on the sets. In October, the new film program moved into the new Aaron and Helen L. DeRoy Center for Film studies, a 26,000 square foot facility, which incorporates living space, classrooms, editing rooms and a screening room. It is the only building of its kind in the country, dedicated to teaching the art of film to high school students.

In the last three years, Interlochen has also expanded its offerings for adult education programs. "We are most well-known for inspiring young artists, but adults continue to seek high quality creative opportunities and need the arts just as much as our youth. Our College of Creative Arts gives adults of all ages many opportunities to fine-tune their skills in an arts discipline - or to explore an entirely new one," said Kimpton.  Programs have included guitar, New Horizons band, adult band camp, chamber music, early music, painting, photography and writing seminars. Other programs are continually being added.

Very few arts education organizations have ever been recognized with the National Medal of Arts. Kimpton expressed his hopes that the award will advance opportunities for arts education for everyone. "At this place where art lives so vibrantly, we bring art into the lives of so many people. As we move forward, Interlochen will carry on its tradition of being a leader in the arts by continuing to innovate and promote the availability of arts programs for everyone - at Interlochen and everywhere."


TopTop




Adrian College Music Department
110 S. Madison St.
Adrian, MI 49221
Ph:  800-877-2246
Ph:  517-265-5161

Web Site:  http://www.adrian.edu/academics/MUS.php

Jazz Director:  Dr. Marty Marks, Director of Bands
Ph:  517-264-3879
e-Mail:  mmarks@adrian.edu

Bands:   Jazz Ensemble
The Adrian College Jazz Ensemble provides students with opportunities for musical growth in rehearsal and performance by participation in a jazz ensemble.  A variety of literature will be used as the medium to present a diverse exposure to related history and culture, as well as a forum to develop the crafts of individual and collective musical artisanship, including jazz articulation and improvisation.


Faculty:  http://adriancollegemusic.org/faculty.htm

Jazz Events: 
http://adriancollegemusic.org/calendar.htm ,



Top
Top




Albion College
611 East Porter Street
Albion, Michigan  49224
Ph:  517-629-1000

Web Site:  http://www.albion.edu/music/


Jazz Director:  James Ball - Associate Professor; Director of Orchestra, Jazz, Conducting
Office:  115, Goodrich Chapel
Ph:  517-629-0481
e-Mail: 
jball@albion.edu

James Ball is currently Director of Orchestral Activities, Associate Professor of Conducting, and Director of the Jazz Ensemble at Albion College. He began his duties at Albion in the fall of 1999 when he was also named Conductor of the Tecumseh (MI) Pops Orchestra. He has performed a wide variety of music with a number of professional musical organizations and institutions during his twenty-five year career. Prior to accepting his position at Albion College, Dr. Ball served for five years as Music Director and Conductor of the Danville (IL) Symphony Orchestra. In recent years he has guest conducted the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra of Zlin in the Czech Republic, Vidin State Philharmonic Orchestra in Vidin, Bulgaria and the Oaxaca Symphony Orchestra in Mexico. In 1997 he was one of 50 conductors invited worldwide to compete in the “Mario Gusella” International Conducting Competition in Pescara, Italy where he advanced to the semi-final round.

Ball is the founding Music Director of the Sandy Springs (GA) Chamber Orchestra and the founding conductor of “New Ear”, Kansas City’s widely acclaimed professional contemporary music chamber ensemble. He has also served as Music Director and Conductor of the Lawrence (KS) Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas City String Orchestra and has held conducting posts with the Missouri Symphony Society, the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, the Atlanta Chamber Orchestra, the Jackson (MI) Youth Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Costa Rica. He has also conducted the Shinsei Nihon Symphony Orchestra in Japan, the Elkhart (IN) Symphony Orchestra, the Mid-Columbia (WA) Symphony, the Macon (GA) Symphony, the Kingsport (TN) Symphony, and the Lawrence (KS) Chamber Players.

Dr. Ball has taught on the faculties of the University of Costa Rica, the University of West Florida, Pensacola Junior College and served as a staff administrator at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and the Kansas City American Arts Festival. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and holds Master of Music degrees from Northwestern University and Georgia State University. He completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Conservatory of Music of the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 1992. Ball has studied conducting with Theo Alcantra, Uri Mayer, Frederick Ockwell, and Robert Olson and has attended workshops and master classes with such noted conductors and composers as Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Lukas Foss, Maurice Abravanel, Gustav Meier, William Kraft and David Amram.


Band:   Albion Jazz Ensemble
Albion Jazz Band
The Albion Jazz Ensemble is comprised of students from Albion College selected by audition each fall. The ensemble performs eight to ten concerts per school year, including two shows each semester on the Albion College campus. Additionally, the band has a monthly engagement at Cascarelli's Restaurant in downtown Albion. The Jazz Ensemble plays a wide range of repertoire, from classic big band compositions by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn to modern arrangements by contemporary composers such as Bob Mintzer, Vince Mendoza, Pat Metheny, and Maria Schneider.

Faculty:  http://www.albion.edu/music/faculty.asp

Jazz Events:  http://www.albion.edu/music/concertSchedule.asp



Top
Top





Alma College
Alma College Music Department
614 W. Superior St.
Alma, MI     48801
Ph:  989-463-7167   Music Department
Ph:  800-321-ALMA   Alma College Admissions

Web Site:  http://www2.alma.edu/academics/music/

Jazz Director:  Jeff Kressler, Director, Alma College Jazz Ensemble

Eddy Music Building
989-463-7167
e-Mail:  Kelly Masley,
masley@alma.edu

Bands:   Alma College Jazz Ensemble

Faculty:  http://www2.alma.edu/academics/music/faculty.htm

Jazz Events:  http://www.alma.edu/academics/departments/humanities/music/events



Top
Top




Alpena Community College
666 Johnson St.
Alpena, MI   49707-1495
Ph:  989-356-9021
Ph:  888-468-6222

Web Site:  http://www.alpenacc.edu/index.asp, http://www.alpenacc.edu/se arch/coursesearch.asp?dept_id=35

Jazz Director:
  John Schubert, Jazz Ensemble Instructor/Director

Bands:   ACC Jazz Ensemble

Faculty:  http://www.alpenacc.edu/search/per sonnelsearch.asp

Jazz Events:  http://www.alpenacc.edu/calendar/default .asp


Top
Top





Aquinas College
1607 Robinson Road S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI   49506-1799
Ph:  616-632-8900
Ph:  616-632-2413

Web Site:  http://www.aquinas.edu/music/

Jazz Director:  Paul S. Brewer, Director of Instrumental Music

Dr. Paul Brewer, Associate Professor and Director of Instrumental Music at Aquinas College holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Composition and Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Brewer also holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Music Education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Brewer has been active as a professional trombonist since 1970. While jazz is his main musical endeavour, Dr. Brewer has also played in a variety of musical ensembles including everything from orchestral groups to rock and roll bands.

His many years as a trombonist in musical theater productions gave Dr. Brewer the opportunity to work with celebrities such as Mickey Rooney, Ann Miller, Richard Harris, Robert Goulet, and many others. As a jazz performer Dr. Brewer has performed with such greats as J.J. Johnson, Max Roach, Urbie Green, Mel Torme, Randy Brecker, and many others.

Among his many contributions to the field of jazz education, Dr. Brewer has been chosen three times to lecture at the prestigious International Association for Jazz Education annual conference (twice in New York City and once in Toronto). Dr. Brewer is also called upon each year to adjudicate jazz festivals and to perform as a guest soloist on public school jazz band concerts.

Along with his tenure at Aquinas College and as a Jazz Artist sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation, Dr. Brewer is also on the jazz faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp held each summer in Interlochen, Michigan. At Interlochen Dr. Brewer has taught many wonderful students from all over the world among them, five-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones and Dr. Brewer's son, Matthew Brewer, an upright bassist currently performing with the great alto saxophonist and Blue Note recording artist, Greg Osby.
At Aquinas College Dr. Brewer is the Director of Bands, concert and jazz. Dr. Brewer also teaches instrumental conducting, instrumentation/arranging/orchestration, jazz improvisation, studio trombone and trumpet, band methods courses, popular music history, and counterpoint.


Bands:   Aquinas College Jazz Band

Faculty:  http://www.aquinas.edu/music/biosmusic.html

Jazz Events:  http://www.aquinas.edu/music/events.html



Top
Top




Calvin College
Music Department

1795 Knollcrest Circle SE   
Grand Rapids, MI   49546-4404
Ph:  616-526-6253
e-Mail:  music@calvin.edu

Web Site:  http://www.calvin.edu/academic/music/ , http://www.calvin.edu/academic/mu sic/ensemble/jazz/

Jazz Director:  Dr. James Sawyer, Jazz Band Director
Ph:  616-526-6253
e-Mail:  music@calvin.edu

Dr. Sawyer holds a BME from VanderCook College of Music, a MM in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan and an Ed.D from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also attended Grambling College of Lousiana where he was a member of the famous Tiger Marching Band.

Dr. Sawyer’s career as a music educator began in 1974 as band director of a small parochial school in Chicago. He has since taught at every level of the educational spectrum including Director of Bands at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC and Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He taught 13 years in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. He also performs as a guest conductor and lecturer across the U.S. His professional performance credits include leas trumpet for many internationally known artists such as the Bob Hope Show, the Chi-lites, the Dells, the Four Tops, the Manhattans, the Temptations, the Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show, the Jim Nabors Show, and most recently, the Shirley Jones and Bob Newhart Shows as a member of the Holland Tulip Festival Jazz Orchestra. He is currently Co-Director at East Kentwood High School.


Bands:   Jazz Band
Calvin Jazz Band
The Calvin Jazz Band is a full-size big band [debut concert - 05/04/05], and directed by Dr. James Sawyer, who is new to the Calvin faculty in the fall semester 2006.  
The Jazz Ensemble focuses on playing a variety of repertoire and developing improvisational skills and technique.  It rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m.


Faculty:  http://www.calvin.edu/academic/music/fa culty/

Jazz Events:  http://www.calvin.edu/academic/music/c alendar/


Top
Top




Central Michigan University
School of Music
Music Building, Room 162
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Ph:  989-774-3281

Web Site:   http://www.mus.cmich.edu/

Jazz Director:  Rob Smith, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies

Rob Smith, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Central Michigan University, graduated from CMU in 1986. He went on to earn a Master of Music-Jazz Studies degree from The University of North Texas (1989), where he performed with the world-renowned One O’clock Lab Band, and can be heard on recordings from 1987-89.

 
Most recently, Rob held a faculty position at The University of North Carolina-Greensboro, The Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program (2004-05). He has also taught at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada (1991-93, 1997), Michigan State University (1994-97), Mott Community College (1995-97), Interlochen Center For The Arts (2000), and Central Michigan University (2000-04).
 
Rob performs regularly on trumpet and saxophones throughout the United States, Canada and Europe with several notable jazz groups, including: The Woody Herman Jazz Orchestra, The Kirk MacDonald Quintet, The Steve Haines Quintet, The Jeff Haas Quintet, and is scheduled to tour this fall with Terri Lyne Carrington and Dianne Reeves.
 
Rob can be heard on several recordings, including: “Step By Step” – The Terry Lower Quintet (2005); “Itchin’ To Groove” – Jim Cooper Quintet (2004); “Beginner’s Mind” – Steve Haines Quintet (Artist House – 2002); “HaGesher Chai – The Bridge Lives” – Jeff Haas Trio & Friends (2001); “Live At The Montreaux – Detroit Jazz Festival” – Larry Nozero (2000). “Live in London at Ronnie Scott’s” – The Woody Herman Jazz Orchestra (1999); “New Beginnings” – Kirk MacDonald Septet (1998); “Sherman Mitchell & Friends” & “Sherm, In n’ Out”; various recordings by the group, Mind’s Eye.

Bands:   Jazz Lab I, Jazz Central, JazzBone
Jazz has been a part of Central Michigan University since 1956, when the "Swingin' Chips" were organized. Students at CMU can participate in - Jazz Lab I, Jazz Central, JazzBone ensemble and jazz percussion groups. Auditions for jazz bands generally take place the first week of classes.


Faculty:  http://www.mus.cmich.edu/facstaff.htm

Jazz Events:  http://www.mus.cmich.edu/musicevents.htm



Top
Top





Concordia University
Department of Arts & Sciences
4090 Geddes Road

Ann Arbor, MI    48105-2797
Ph:  734-995-7391
Ph:  888-734-4237

Web Site:   http://www.cuaa.edu/cuarts/

Jazz Director:  Sean Dobbins, Professor of Jazz Studies
Ph:  734-995-7484
e-Mail:  dobbis@cuaa.edu

Bands:   Jazz Ensemble

Faculty:  http://www.cuaa.edu/aboutCUA A/directory.asp?sub_cat_id=A

Jazz Events:   http://www.cuaa.edu/cuarts/?d_id=1315



Top
Top





Eastern Michigan University
Department of Music & Dance
411 Pray Harrold
Ypsilanti, Michigan  48197
Ph:  734-487-4380
e-Mail:  dave.woike@emich.edu

Web Site:    http://www.emich.edu/music/index.html

Jazz Director:   Donald Babcock, Trombone, Assistant Professor
Ph:  734-487-6842
e-Mail:  donald.babcock@emich.edu

Donald Babcock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Music & Dance where he teaches trombone and jazz. He previously taught at North Central Bible College and Lansing Community College. He is frequently in residence at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in the summers.

As a teacher, performer, and clinician, Babcock is busy throughout the Detroit-Metro area. He currently plays principal trombone in the Ann Arbor Symphony and the Michigan Chamber Brass. He visits local schools and gives frequent solo recitals.


Other recent symphony performances have been with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Lansing Symphony, and Kalamazoo Symphony. Band performances include a select Blue Lake Festival Band performance under Dr. Harry Begian at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention in Chicago, IL. Jazz performances have been with the Paul Keller Jazz Orchestra, Ann Arbor Jazz Bones and the Blue Lake Monster.

Babcock has studied with Curtis Olson, Vern and Jan Kagarice, Thomas Ashworth, Nick Keelan, and Dudley Bright. Dr. Babcock holds a DMA from Michigan State University, and a Master of Music from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He completed both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.


Bands:   Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo

Faculty:    http://www.emich.edu/music/html/faculty.html

Jazz Events:   http://www.emich.edu/music/html/events.html
Ph:  734-487-2255 - Music Events Hotline
e-Mail:  emu.musicevents@emich.edu



Top
Top





Ferris State University
The Music Center
1030 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 
Ph:  231-591-2501
e-Mail:  Ms. Tracy Federoff, Music Center Secretary
federofft@ferris.edu

Web Site:   http://www.ferris.edu/music/

Jazz Director:  Matthew Moresi, Assistant Professor, Director of Jazz Band
Music Center 110
Ph: (231) 591-2587
e-Mail:  moresim@ferris.edu

Besides directing the jazz band, Matt Moresi also teaches courses in Beginning Piano and Music Appreciation.  Moresi graduated from the University of Oregon earning both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, while studying trombone and jazz arranging/composition.  He has won many awards for his playing and writing including the 2003 Reno jazz Festival Outstanding College Performer, the 2004 Reno Jazz Festival Outstanding College Trombonist, and a finalist for the 2005 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Awards.  The UNC Jazz Press currently publishes his arrangements.  Moresi continues to remain active as an educator, performer, writer, and clinician.

Bands:    FSU Jazz Band
The FSU Jazz Band is sponsored by Ferris State University as part of its Music for Life! initiative.  The FSU Jazz Band performs traditional and contemporary literature for big band, along with additional instruction in improvisation.  Membership is open by audition to university students and members of the community.  Auditions are required for new and returning members.  The auditions are held on Monday and Wednesday evening in the first week of classes.  The FSU Jazz Band rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m.


Faculty:  http://www.ferris.edu/music/contacts.htm

Jazz Events:   http://www.ferri s.edu/htmls/colleges/artsands/MusicWebSite/concerts/



Top
Top





Grand Rapids Community College
Performing Arts
143 Bostwick Avenue, NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Ph:  616-234-GRCC

Web Site:   http://www.grcc.edu/?PageID=1759

Jazz Director:   Michael Gillan, Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Orchestra
Ph:  616-234-3941
e-Mail:  mgillan@grcc.edu

Michael Gillan leads the jazz band along with duties as director of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Mariachi Ensemble, Kent Philarmonia Orchestra, and the Grand River Winds.  He also teaches low brass and Aural Comprehension.

Gillan received his undergraduate musical training at Michigan State University and his Masters Degree in Trombone Performance from Ball State University.  He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University.

Gillan has taught in the secondary schools in Montana, Wyoming, Indiana, Nevada and North Dakota.  He was formerly Interim Director of Bands at University of Michigan-Flint and Wayne State College in Nebraska.  His groups have been featured at both the Wyoming and Nebraska Music Educators Conventions.  Gillan has also presented clinics at numerous state MENC Conventions and has conducted many honor bands in the Midwest area.


Bands:   Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Combo
GRCC Jazz Combo

Jazz Orchestra - Michael Gillan, Director
The Jazz Orchestra rehearses and performs pieces in various styles and from various periods in jazz and big-band developments.  Improvisation is taught and emphasized in performance.  Membership is by audition.

Jazz Combo - Michael Gillan, Coach
Membership in the Jazz Combo program is by audition. The instrumentation varies according to the number of students available. Groups in the past have been anything from the traditional 3 horns & rhythm section, to a quartet consisting of vibes, cello, bass, drums. Music varies from published charts, to the Real Book, to original compositions of the students. Each combo meets once a week for 1 hour. Performances include, once each semester at the School of Music (Fall and Spring Jazz Night), once a month at the GRCC school library, outside gigs at the Van Andel Arena, and other private functions.


Faculty:  http://www.grcc.edu/musicFaculty

Jazz Events:  http://www.grcc.edu/musicCalendar

Fall Jazz Night
Tues, Oct 23, 2007; 7:30 pm, FREE ADMISSION
An evening of jazz presented by the GRCC Shades of Blue & Jazz Orchestra
GRCC Music Center Recital Hall (Room 200)

Winter Jazz Night
Tues, Feb 20, 2008; 7:30 pm, FREE ADMISSION
An evening of jazz presented by the GRCC Shades of Blue & Jazz Orchestra
GRCC Music Center Recital Hall (Room 200)


Top
Top




Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Dr.
Music Department
1300 PAC
Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403
Ph:  616-331-3484
Ph:  800-748-0246

Web Site:   http://www.gvsu.edu/music/index.cfm

Jazz Director:  Kurt Ellenberger, Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Band
Ph:  (616) 331-2943

e-Mail:  ellenbek@gvsu.edu

Kurt Ellenberger began his professional career at the age of thirteen in his hometown of Windsor, Ontario. He received a D.M.A. in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin, M.M. in Theory/Composition from the University of Northern Colorado, and a B.A. from the University of Windsor. Ellenberger has performed extensively on both trumpet and piano in a wide variety of musical settings in the contemporary, classical, and improvisatory genres, including performances with Kenny Wheeler, Billy Eckstine, and Della Reese. His jazz trio, which he has led for over fifteen years, has been recorded by CBC Radio in Canada and NPR in the United States, featuring Ellenberger as both performer and composer. He recently recorded his first CD, entitled Songs from Far West, a collection of his own pieces along with works by Paul Hindemith and Duke Ellington. The CD was released worldwide by Challenge-A Records (Netherlands) and has been reviewed in publications in Canada, America, and Europe. He is also an ASCAP award winning composer who has written music for solo piano, voice and piano, orchestra, brass quintet, brass choir, and also two concertos.


Bands:  Large Jazz Ensemble, Small Jazz Ensembles
http://www.gvsu.edu/music/index.cfm?id=13954B6C-B01E-FA1F-50BC3435C445AB84
gvsu jazz ensemble
Large Jazz Ensemble
The group performs both traditional and contemporary jazz music, including new works composed especially for the jazz program.  It's featured at concerts, dances, on tours, and at jazz festivals.  Open to music majors and non-majors. Audition required.

Small Jazz Ensembles
The group focuses on mastery of tunes from the jazz repertoire.  Emphasis is on improvisation and arranging using lead sheets and original compositions. 

Jazz Improvisation Seminar
The student unit meets as a performing ensemble with emphasis and instruction on various approaches to jazz improvisation.



Faculty:  http://www.gvsu.edu/music/index.cfm?id=AA186572-DBA7-EA78-DF730F3741C563A1

Jazz Events: 
http://www.gvsu.edu/music/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.events

Jazz Orchestra
Tim Froncek, Director
October 18, 2007, 8 PM  Free Admission
Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC 

Jazz Orchestra
Tim Froncek, Director
November 26, 2007, 8 PM  Free Admission
Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC 

Jazz Orchestra
Tim Froncek, Director
April 1, 2008, 8 PM    Free Admission
Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC


Top
Top




Henry Ford Community College
Fine Arts and Fitness Division
MacKenzie Fine Arts Center, Room 132
5101 Evergreen Rd.
Dearborn, MI   48128-1495
Ph: 313-845-9600
Ph: 800-585-HFCC

Web Site:  
http://www.hfcc.edu/ ,
https://my.hfcc.edu/site_manager/catalog_manager/programs/view_program1.asp?id=529&view=s ,
http://www.hfcc.edu/programs/documents/HFCC_2007_08_catalog.pdf

Jazz Director:  Rick Goward, Associate Dean-HFCC Fine Arts and Fitness Division; Director of Bands-HFCC
Ph:  (313) 845-6470
e-Mail:  rgoward@hfcc.edu

Bands:   Henry Ford Big Band, Blue Fusion (vocal jazz), Studio 110 (Big Band jazz), Midnight Blue (vocal jazz)

HFCC Big Band, Rick Goward, Director
The HFCC Big Band has played at more than 750 concerts, dances and convention performances since 1983. The band performed at the 2005 and 2001 Presidential Inauguration festivities in Washington, D.C. The group is the only band – professional or amateur – to appear at the Ford Detroit Jazz Festival for 24 consecutive years. The Big Band also joined with Evergreen Blues for a 2002 concert tour in Hawaii.

The Big Band also has made prestigious concert appearances at Carnegie Hall, New York (1992 and 1989) and at many international jazz festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland (1998, 1994, 1990, 1988, and 1985), Jazz Vienne in France (1998) and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands (1990). The musicians have shared the concert stage with Maynard Ferguson (1998 and 1993) and the Count Basie Orchestra (1992).

Blue Fusion, G. Kevin Dewey, HFCC Vocal Music Instructor
Blue Fusion performs a variety of classic and contemporary vocal jazz, featuring both ‘a cappella and accompanied selections. Blue Fusion traveled to Chicago in 2003 with Studio 110 and joined the HFCC at the 2003 Ford Detroit Jazz Festival. The group consists of vocalists and instrumentalists.

Studio 110 Jazz Orchestra, Randall Knight, HFCC Music Instructor
The Studio 110 Jazz Orchestra performs a wide selection of jazz favorites at many Detroit-area events. Its members range from recent high school graduates to retirees. Studio 110 often shares the stage with Blue Fusion, and the two groups traveled to Chicago for a concert tour in 2003.

Midnight Blue, G. Kevin Dewey, HFCC Vocal Music Instructor
Midnight Blue performs vocal jazz.   Midnight Blue joined with the HFCC Big Band in January 2005 to perform for the Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. and at the 2005 Ford Detroit Jazz Festival.


Faculty:  
http://www2.hfcc.edu/staff/StaffSearch.asp

Jazz Events: 

Top
Top





Hillsdale College
Music Department - Fine Arts
33 East College Street
Hillsdale, MI  49242
Ph:  517-437-7341

Web Site: