NewsRelease

Ellis Marsalis to Lead UNCG’s Jazz Honors Band
Father of America’s greatest jazz family shares wisdom with NC teens

GREENSBORO – In November, the top high school jazz musicians from across the state will have the opportunity to study with Ellis Marsalis, the father of America’s greatest jazz family, at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

A New Orleans native, Marsalis has enriched the world of jazz through his talents as a pianist, composer and music educator. He has performed with Ornette Coleman, Al Hirt and brothers Nat and Cannonball Adderley. Formerly the director of the jazz studies division at the University of New Orleans, he has appeared on the Today Show, the Tonight Show and the Arsenio Hall Show.

His legacy as a music educator includes such pupils as his famous sons: Wynton (trumpet), Branford (saxophone), Delfeayo (trombone) and Jason (drums). He has also mentored trumpeters Nicholas Payton and Terence Blanchard, saxophonist Donald Harrison and pianist Harry Connick Jr.

During the Nov. 21-23 weekend, Marsalis will share his musical insight with students in the UNCG Jazz Honors Band. Nearly 100 audition tapes were submitted state-wide for a coveted spot in the 17-member ensemble. This is the fourth year that Steve Haines, director of UNCG’s Miles Davis Program in Jazz Studies, has organized the band. Each year the students are given the opportunity to learn from jazz professionals and give a public concert. Last year’s guest conductor was trumpeter Byron Stripling.

The students’ music education will begin on Saturday with a “jazz immersion.” The musicians will attend instrumental clinics and question and answer sessions, study in listening labs and even sit in with Ellis.

“For some of the students, they have a jazz epiphany,” Haines said. “They come back the next year ten times the musician they were. We want the students to feel inspired and empowered to pursue their dreams in life.”

On Sunday afternoon at 1:30, the honors band will perform with the UNCG Jazz Ensemble in a public concert in the School of Music Recital Hall. The performance will open with several charts played by the Honors Band and directed by Marsalis. The UNCG Jazz Ensemble, directed by Steve Haines, will take the stage for a few numbers and then will be joined by Marsalis. The entertainment will conclude with a trio set performed by Marsalis, Haines and drummer Tom Taylor.

Tickets for this special event are $25 for adults and $20 for students. Call (336) 334-4849 for more information. The concert is co-sponsored by KinderMusik, Jamey Aebersold and Downbeat magazine.

The following students have been selected for the 2003 UNCG Jazz Honors Band.

Saxophones:
Alto -  Andrew Hall, Durham School of the Arts
Alto -  Ben Sparrow, Green Hope High School
Tenor  -  Adam Pedersen, Cary Academy
Tenor -  Taylor Thompson, Page High School
Baritone - Sally White, St. David's School

Trumpets:
  Mark Osterer, North Carolina School of the Arts
  Rachael Fuller, Durham School of the Arts
  Andrew Cleveland, Northwest Guilford High School
  Mike Gillespie,  C.E. Jordan High School

Trombones:
  J. Mark Shoun, North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics
  Michael Petersen, Durham School of the Arts
  Tony Mazzella,  Middle Creek High School
  Zach Young,  Northwest Guilford High School

Rhythm section:
Guitar - Derek Drye, Ledford High School
Piano - Chris Pattishall, C.E. Jordan High School
Bass -  Ben Barry, East Chapel Hill High School
Drums - Michael D'Angelo, Northwest School of the Arts
 
 

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