2011 News archive

One O'Clock Lab Band is in the Top 50, plays Conroe and New Orleans

01/06/2011 - 11:30am

The One O'Clock Lab Band's CD Lab 2010 is in the Top 50 for national jazz airplay:

http://www.jazzweek.com/chart/jazzchart.html

The band plays a concert at the Crighton Theatre in Conroe, Texas tonight (Jan. 6) and at the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 8.

Richard DeRosa conducts Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra on Jan. 11, 2011

01/10/2011 - 11:24am

Prof. Richard DeRosa will direct the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in the performance of one of his arrangements at the Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 concert to honor the new NEA Jazz Masters.

Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Jay Saunders, releases the CD "Under the Radar"

01/10/2011 - 2:36pm


Cover design: Bradley Haefner

The Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Jay Saunders, announces its latest release, Under the Radar. Track list: Three on a Tree Two (Charley Gray) 4:34; Sir Louis John Pinkerton’s Express (Thomas Davis) 5:33; 90th Avenue (Brett McDonald) 6:00; I’m Just a Lucky So and So (Duke Ellington/M David) arr John Clayton 7:16; Just Friends (John Klenner/Sam Lewis) arr Sean Nelson 4:46; The Visitor (Thomas Davis) 6:59; Cherokee (Ray Noble) arr Bill Holman 2:27; Beautiful Love (VYoung/E Alstyne/WKing/H Gillespie) arr Sean Nelson 7:21; Sax Alley (John Bambridge) 3:32; Worth the Wait (Peter Erskine) arr Tim Hagans 8:43; The Beat in Progress (Brett McDonald) 7:58.

Here's how you can get your copy:
1. Use our order form. (We're working on setting up our online store.)
2. Call the Jazz Studies office at (940) 565-3743.
3. Order online at Pender's Music once it appears in their online store. We'll update this page when that happens.

Brian Clancy wins Vandoren Emerging Artist Award

01/15/2011 - 5:12pm
Brian Clancy, tenor saxophonist, student of Prof. Brad Leali, and member of the One O'Clock Lab Band under Prof. Steve Wiest's direction, has won the Vandoren Emerging Artist Award. According to the application materials, his prizes include:

 

  • A trip to Paris to visit the Vandoren offices, the Paris Conservatoire, and meetings with influential Vandoren artists and mouthpiece and reed specialists
  • Performance at Music For All National Festival and participation in master classes with Vandoren artists at the festival
  • A full Vandoren prize package of Vandoren products
  • A $1,000 cash award

Congratulations Brian!!

Bob Morgan recognized as 212 celebrates 713

01/17/2011 - 3:51pm

(click image for larger version)
UNT alumnus Bob Morgan was recognized at an event in New York organized by Jason Moran to celebrate the work of musicians from Houston, many of whom studied at HSPVA when Dr. Morgan was the director of the jazz program there. Alumni Billy Harper and Tex Allen also participated. Another UNT alumnus, Warren Sneed, now directs the program. See the New York Times coverage and the editorial in the Houston Chronicle.

Congratulations, Bob!

 

One O'Clock Lab Band at Denton High School on Feb. 3, 2011

01/19/2011 - 3:54pm

The One O'Clock Lab Band and the Denton High School Lab Band will play a concert at Denton High School on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 from 7:30-9:30. Advanced sale ticket prices: $7 students, $10 general admission. At the door ticket prices: $12 students, $15 general admission.

Neil Slater has a new website

01/19/2011 - 10:27pm

Dan Haerle and Friends in concert on Feb. 6

01/21/2011 - 3:56pm

Dan Haerle, piano
Brad Leali, alto saxophone
Lynn Seaton, bass
Rich DeRosa, drums

Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011
3:30 p.m.
Kenton Hall
Free admission

The 2011 Jazz Lecture Series Kicks Off with Marvin Stamm

01/24/2011 - 1:49pm


Jazz trumpet virtuoso and UNT alum Marvin Stamm gets the 2011 season of the Jazz Lecture Series started this Tuesday, January 25 with a lecture at 9:30AM and 2:00PM in the COM Recital Hall. As an extension of the Lecture Series, our partnership with McDavid Studio in Fort Worth continues as well. Marvin will be performing with UNT Jazz Studies faculty Stefan Karlsson (piano), Ed Soph (drums), and Fred Hamilton (bass) beginning at 8:00PM at the Fort Worth venue.

The Denton Record Chronicle recently ran an article about the series and Mr. Stamm specifically. For a complete listing of this year's artists click here. And to take a look at the wonderful tradition of artists who have appeared over the years at the Jazz Lecture Series, click here.

Steve Turre with the U-Tubes

01/25/2011 - 9:40am

Steve Turre, trombone, with the UNT U-Tubes Jazz Trombone Ensemble, directed by Jason Hausback.
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7:30, Kenton Hall, free admission.

Feb. 3 performance at DHS by the One O'Clock Lab Band postponed

02/02/2011 - 1:50pm

The Thursday Feb. 3 performance by the One O'Clock Lab Band at Denton High School has been postponed due to weather.

Dan Haerle & Friends concert on Feb. 6: Cancelled

02/04/2011 - 1:11pm

The concert by Dan Haerle & Friends scheduled for Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m. has been cancelled due to weather conditions.
It will be rescheduled.

Dan Haerle & Friends concert rescheduled

02/05/2011 - 10:04am

The concert by Dan Haerle and Friends, originally scheduled for Feb. 6, will now happen on Sunday Feb. 13, 3:30 in Kenton Hall.
Dan Haerle, piano
Brad Leali, alto
Lynn Seaton, bass
Rich DeRosa, drums

Matt Hornbeck's "Happy Bears"

02/05/2011 - 8:34pm

New on our YouTube channel.

Brett McDonald's chart "The Beat in Progress" recognized by ASCAP award

02/12/2011 - 12:25pm

Brett McDonald's chart "The Beat In Progress" on the Two O'Clock Lab Band album Under The Radar has received an Honorable Mention for the 2011 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Awards. Jay Saunders directs the Two O'Clock Lab Band.

Sean Nelson's video of the band recording it:

 

Evan Weiss CD release party for "Math or Magic" Feb. 20

02/12/2011 - 7:44pm

Trumpeter/composer and recent UNT graduate Evan Weiss will release his CD "Math or Magic" on Feb. 20, 2011 at 8 p.m. at Dan's Silver Leaf in Denton.

Phillip Menchaca selected as finalist at Eastern Trombone Workshop

02/12/2011 - 8:02pm

Trombonist and recent UNT graduate Phillip Menchaca was selected as a finalist in the Eastern Trombone Workshop this year in the solo jazz category. Philip sends his thanks to Prof. Conrad Herwig, Prof. Andy Hunter, Prof. Steve Wiest, and Prof. Tony Baker.

Adam Nussbaum at the Jazz Lecture Series and McDavid Studio Feb. 15

02/14/2011 - 8:24pm

Drummer Adam Nussbaum is our Feb. 15, 2011 Jazz Lecture Series guest artist. He will have two sessions with the students at 9:30 and 2 in the Recital Hall and play a concert with Stefan Karlsson, piano, and Lynn Seaton, bass, at 8 p.m. on Feb. 15 at McDavid Studio in Ft. Worth.

Kurt Rosenwinkel Group and the One O'Clock Lab Band

02/14/2011 - 8:39pm

Kurt Rosenwinkel and his Group are the Glenn E. Gomez International Artists Endowment for Jazz Studies guest artists for 2011. The residency takes place from Feb. 21-24, 2011. On Thursday, Feb. 24. at 8 p.m., the Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio and the One O'Clock Lab Band will play a concert in Winspear Hall. Tickets are available online. Kurt Rosenwinkel Group: Kurt Rosenwinkel, guitar; Aaron Goldberg, piano; Ben Street, bass; Ted Poor, drums.

These events are open to all:

Monday, February 21
11:00 – 12:00 Open Forum – Wiest (Kenton—Room 282)
2:00-3:30 Guitar Session (Voertman Concert Hall)
4:00 – 5:00 Small Group Forum – Karlsson (Kenton—Room 282)
9:00 –? Rehearsal with The One O’Clock-Wiest (Kenton—Room 282)

Tuesday, February 22
11:00-11:50 Improv Presentation –Wiest (Room 262)
2:00 - 3:20 Jazz Lecture Series – Wiest (Recital Hall—Room 301)

Wednesday, February 23
10:00 – 10:50 Jazz History – Murphy (Kenton—Room 282)
2:00-3:30 Masterclass with Kurt and his band – Wiest (Recital Hall)

Thursday, February 24
11:00 – 12:00 Working with Advanced Composers – DeRosa (Room 292)
1:00 – 3:00 Sound check & rehearsal (Winspear – Murchison)
8:00 – 10:00 Concert with The One O’Clock and Kurt’s Band (ticket charge, see above; UNT students: 1 free ticket per ID) . Order: Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet; One O'Clock Lab Band; Kurt with One O'Clock Lab Band

UNT Vocal Jazz Director Search Result

02/16/2011 - 9:43am

Jennifer Barnes has accepted the position of Vocal Jazz Director.

Faculty recital Feb 20: music from "Live at the Blackhawk"

02/16/2011 - 4:00pm

A Tribute To Miles Davis
Recreating “Live at the Blackhawk – 1961”

A UNT Jazz Faculty Recital
Mike Steinel-Trumpet
Brad Leali-Alto Saxophone
Stefan Karlsson-Piano
LynnSeaton-Bass
Ed Soph-Drums

Sunday February 20, 2011 – 5 PM
Kenton Hall – College of Music
Admission Free

 

Jazz Repertory Ensemble plays Kenton '76

02/25/2011 - 3:47pm

The UNT Jazz Repertory Ensemble, directed by Chris McGuire, plays all the tunes on the Kenton '76 album on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 8 p.m. in Kenton Hall. Free admission.

Darcy James Argue and the One O'Clock Lab Band

02/25/2011 - 3:56pm

Darcy James Argue, composer, directs the One O'Clock Lab Band in performances of his works at the Syndicate at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Admission: $5.

Jisun Choi releases the CD "Up"

02/26/2011 - 11:04am

Pianist and recent UNT graduate Jisun Choi has released the CD "Up," on which she is joined by Tim Goynes, guitar; Noel Johnston, guitar; Eric Smith, cello; Ryan Hagler, bass; and Steve Pruitt, drums. All the tunes are original compositions by Jisun. You can listen to samples here and listen to the title track here.

Richard DeRosa to judge Essentially Ellington contest

02/28/2011 - 4:33pm

UNT Prof. Richard DeRosa has been named one of five judges of the Essentially Ellington competition, to be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in May 2011. The other judges are Wynton Marsalis, David Berger, Vincent Gardner, and Johnny Mandel.

Mikel Combs joins Northeastern State University faculty

03/01/2011 - 2:23pm

Mikel Combs, bassist and recent UNT M.M. graduate, has been named to the position of full-time Lecturer/Jazz Lab Manager at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. He'll be responsible for managing, booking, recording, budgeting, grant writing, bass lessons, small group coaching, Rock History teaching, and probably Jazz History teaching. Congratulations, Mikel!

Ravi Coltrane is here on April 5 and 6

03/07/2011 - 10:14pm

Ravi Coltrane, jazz lecture series guest artist, will play a special concert on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 starting at 9 p.m. at the Syndicate in the University Union. Admission is free. He will present two jazz lecture series sessions that day at 9:30 and 2 in the recital hall in the College of Music building. Ravi Coltrane's residency at UNT is supported in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Wednesday April 6:
Question and Answer session With the Jazz Saxophone Performance and Fundamentals 1132 class form 12-12:50 in room 262
Saxophone Masterclass from 1-1:50 in Lab East (room 263)

Bill Moring, bassist, at Jazz Lecture Series and McDavid Studio

03/07/2011 - 10:18pm

Bill Moring, bassist and Jazz Lecture Series guest artist, plays at McDavid Studio on Tuesday March 8 at 8 pm with Fred Hamilton, guitar, and Rich DeRosa, drums.

Joel Cross: new single and commercial

03/11/2011 - 1:27pm

Guitarist-singer-composer Joel Cross, a recent graduate of our program, has a new single and a new commercial:

 

 

Documentary features Michael Brecker

03/16/2011 - 1:19pm

The documentary "More To Live For" features the late Michael Brecker along with other people with leukemia. It will be shown at the Dallas Film Festival on these dates:

April 3 at 7 pm
AMC NorthPark 15 -#4
admission $10

April 8 at 7 pm
Highland Park Village #1
admission $10

Website for the film:
http://www.moretoliveforfilm.com/

News story about it:
http://www.examiner.com/jazz-music-in-national/sedona-cleveland-iffs-show-michael-brecker-s-fight-more-to-live-for-1

Live Internet Broadcast of Steve Wiest's performance at The Eastern Trombone Workshop

03/17/2011 - 1:03pm


UNT trombone professor and Director of The One O'Clock Lab Band Steve Wiest will be performing selections from his Arabesque big band recording Excalibur with The Army Blues as part of The Eastern Trombone Workshop this week. The concert will be broadcast live on the Internet on Friday, March 18 at 8:15PM Eastern Standard Time.

Yoshi Matsubara releases CD "Victory Dance"

03/19/2011 - 11:16am


Guitarist Yoshi Matsubara, a recent graduate of our program, has released the CD Victory Dance. It also features UNT grads Brian Girley (saxophone), Roberto Verastegui (piano), Ryan Hagler (bass) and Steve Pruitt (drums). It's available at amazon and reviewed here.

Li Xiaochuan named finalist at National Trumpet Competition

03/20/2011 - 9:33pm


Li Xiaochuan, current jazz studies master's student, was just named as a finalist in the Jazz Division of the National Trumpet Competition. The full results of the competition are here. Congratulations!!

Maristella Feustle joins staff of Hamon Arts Library

03/22/2011 - 10:11pm

Maristella Feustle, a graduate of our master's program, has joined the staff of the Hamon Arts Library at Southern Methodist University. In her full-time Library Specialist position she serves as Audio-Visual Supervisor. Congratulations!

Stefan Karlsson releases new solo CD "Smilin' Eyes"

03/23/2011 - 2:51pm


Stefan Karlsson's new solo piano CD, "Smilin' Eyes," was just released by the Barcelona-based Bebyne Label. It's available at amazon and iTunes.

Benefit Concert for Japan on March 28, 2011

03/26/2011 - 10:56am


This concert features the premiere of a new composition by Steve Wiest by the One O'Clock Lab Band. Click the image to see the full-size poster.

Latin Jazz Lab CD release March 30 at the Syndicate

03/30/2011 - 2:32pm


The UNT Latin Jazz Lab, directed by José Aponte, will release the CD Dancing Small at its performance on March 30, 2011 at the Syndicate in the UNT University Union. The music begins at 9pm with Jazz Singers III-II-I, followed by the Latin Jazz Lab. The CD will be available for purchase.

Two other new releases are the The U-TUBES and Flamenco Jazz Project by the Zebras.

Two O'Clock Lab Band plays in Dallas on April 3, 2011

04/01/2011 - 1:09pm

The Two O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Jay Saunders, will play at the Village Country Club on Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 6:30-8:00 p.m., followed by the Galen Jeter Orchestra.

Village Country Club
8308 Southwestern Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75206-1504
(214) 772-3100 ‎

Jack Petersen at UTD

04/01/2011 - 1:13pm

On Friday, April 1, 2011, former UNT faculty member, guitarist Jack Petersen, will play at The University of Texas at Dallas with Dan Haerle (piano), Fred Hamilton (bass), and Ed Soph (drums). The concert is in Jonsson Performance Hall on the UTD campus at 8:00 p.m. Further information.

New way to contribute to the mission of the UNT College of Music

04/01/2011 - 3:18pm

This new page:

https://development.unt.edu/givenow/givenow_com.php

enables supporters of the College of Music to contribute to scholarship funds established in honor of Neil Slater, James Riggs, Paris Rutherford, Don Jacoby, and to other funds that support the mission of the College.

Uri Caine in residence this week, concerts on April 7 and 8

04/05/2011 - 2:18pm

Pianist and composer Uri Caine is here this week as a guest artist with the jazz small group program and as part of our National Endowment for the Arts-supported concert series.

Thursday, April 7
Uri Caine plays in a trio format
9:15-11:00 p.m., no cover charge
Syndicate, University Union

Friday, April 8
Uri Caine plays with student musicians as his music is featured on a concert in our 300 Years of American Chamber Music series, funded by the NEA.
Voertman Hall, College of Music, 8 p.m.

Chip Schutzman gives music industry entrepreneurship talk

04/05/2011 - 2:19pm

Music Industry Entrepreneurship and Social Networking

Chip Schutzman, President
Miles High Productions

UNT College of Music
Music Building 321
Thursday, April 7, 2011
3-4 p.m.

From www.mileshighproductions.com:

Chip Schutzman is president and founder of Miles High Productions, an online music marketing and promotion company founded in 2002. Chip is responsible for all business development and operations and is responsible for communications with over 25,000 web sites and media outlets internationally.
In the last few years, Miles High Productions has worked with over 150 artists and dozens of established record labels including EMI America, Capitol Records, Blue Note Records, Universal Music Group, Warner Brothers Entertainment, Bayside Distribution, Fontana and several other high profiled record labels and distribution companies.
Miles High Productions is recognized and known in the recording industry community for developing emerging artists and represent artists online from popular music formats such as jazz, electronica, dance, rock, blues, country, singer-songwriter, pop and other music genres. Prior to starting Miles High Productions, Chip was the Director of Music Programming for House of Blues Entertainment and is credited with the initial content development for HOB Digital (hob.com). As the evolution of the internet took place, Chip was instrumental in turning hob.com into the leading live music provider on the web by developing, positioning and maintaining key relationships with artists, managers and record labels to secure digital rights for webcasts, interviews, and marketing of special projects. He is also accredited with the development of 20 internet radio stations within the HOB Radio Network, and was responsible for maintaining content distribution deals with AOL, MTV Interactive, DMX Music and MSN Music.
In 1998, Chip implemented music downloads of exclusive live music and initiated the 99 cent purchase model several years prior to the formation of the iTunes Music Store. Chip has consulted and completed online marketing campaigns for several platinum selling artists including Barbra Streisand, Jewel, Gary Allan, Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees, Coldplay, Olivia Newton-John, Ozzy Osbourne and Heart and worked on a multiple CD compilation in honor of the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008. Chip currently resides in Los Angeles and is also a guest lecture speaker at several universities across the USA including Boston University, Berklee College of Music, Temple University, UCLA and NYU.

Ignacio Berroa and Uri Caine

04/05/2011 - 5:12pm

Just another Tuesday at UNT: Ravi Coltrane rehearsing with the One O'Clock Lab Band for tonight's concert at 9 at the Syndicate, Uri Caine rehearsing his treatments of Mahler's music with a student chamber group for Friday's concert at 8 at Voertman Hall, and Ignacio Berroa rehearsing with Latin Jazz Lab, directed by José Aponte, for tonight's concert at 8 in Voertman Hall.
Photos by John Murphy.

Uri Caine, piano; Li Xiaochuan, trumpet; Brian Clancy, clarinet; Veronika Vassileva, violin; Justin Heaverin, drums; Daniel Parr, bass.

Ignacio Berroa with the Latin Jazz Lab.

Events on April 8 and 10

04/08/2011 - 11:16am

April 8
1. Vocal jazz forum 3 pm in 263: Magee & Miwha
2. Honors Day in Winspear: among the honorees are Jazz Studies outstanding undergraduate Brian Clancy and graduate Sergio Pamies
3. Jazz Singers II spring concert in Kenton at 6 pm
4. 300 Years of American Chamber Music
Voertman Hall, 8 pm
Uri Caine with Brian Clancy, Li Xiaochuan, Veronika Vassileva, Daniel Parr and Justin Heaverin; and Jiri Levicek, Jacob Smith, and Zach Forsyth.
A reception follows this concert featuring high-quality food and beverages.
Location of reception: Commons

This Sunday April 10
1. Stefan Karlsson and Sean Giddings, duo piano recital, 2 pm in Recital
2. Jazz Singers III Spring Concert, 6pm in Kenton Hall

New work by Lyle Mays and friends

04/08/2011 - 1:31pm

 

New alumni track from Jerome Covington

04/08/2011 - 1:38pm

Listen to Jerome Covington's "View from the Canyon" on the alumni tracks page. New entries are added at the end of the page.

Honors Day 2011

04/08/2011 - 5:03pm

At Honors Day 2011, Outstanding Students in Jazz Studies were recognized: Brian Clancy (undergraduate) and Sergio Pamies Rodriguez (graduate). Pictured below from left to right are Greg Sadler, who plays drumset in jazz groups and was recognized by the Instrumental Studies division, Brian Clancy, Sergio Pamies Rodriguez, and James Scott, Dean of the College of Music.

Denton Arts & Jazz Festival and Lab Band Madness

04/16/2011 - 9:50am


Click for larger image.

This page has a lot of useful information:

https://www.unt.edu/dentonjazzfest

Here's a Denton Record-Chronicle story.

On Friday April 29 on the Jazz Stage, the One O'Clock Lab Band plays at 7, followed at 9 by a tribute to Leon Breeden by the Original Texas Jazz Orchestra, directed by James Riggs, with special guests Lou Marini, Marvin Stamm, and Tom "Bones" Malone.

Lab Band Madness happens on Saturday, April 30. It's part of the three days of performances by UNT jazz studies large and small ensembles, and other College of Music groups, at the UNT Showcase Stage.

At 2:30 on Saturday April 30 the UNT Jazz Faculty play on the Jazz Stage.

One O'Clock Lab Band at Denton High School April 21, 2011

04/20/2011 - 7:32pm


The One O'Clock Lab Band shares a concert with the Denton High School Lab Bands on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at 7:30. More information.

One O'Clock Lab Band performances in May

04/21/2011 - 2:57pm

The One O'Clock Lab Band returns to McDavid Studio on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 8:00 pm. The band will offer the audience a preview of brand new material to be recorded later this month on the forthcoming recording Lab 2011.

https://www.basshall.com/about/maddox-muse-center/mcdavid-studio/

The One O'Clock Lab Band will perform at the Dallas Museum of Art Jazz Under the Stars Series on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Free admission. Located at the Ross Avenue Plaza, Dallas, Texas.

 

Bret Zvacek's new work premiered by Liebman, CNY Jazz Orchestra

04/23/2011 - 3:08pm

"If a White Horse in Jerusalem," a new composition by alumnus Bret Zvacek, professor of music at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music, received its premier performance by saxophonist David Liebman and the Central New York Jazz Orchestra on April 16, 2011. Read more in this news release from SUNY-Potsdam.

UNT jazz students win NINE DownBeat Student Music Awards

04/26/2011 - 5:10pm

UNT jazz students won NINE DownBeat Student Music Awards this year!
Congratulations to the students and their mentors!

Jazz Soloist
Undergraduate College Outstanding Performances
Brett McDonald, saxophone
Mentor: Brad Leali

Large Jazz Ensemble
Graduate College Outstanding Performances
Two O’Clock Lab Band
Director: Jay Saunders

Vocal Jazz Soloist
Undergraduate College Winner (1 of 2)
Ashleigh E. Smith
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Vocal Jazz Soloist
Undergraduate College Winner (2 of 2)
Seth Weaver
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Vocal Jazz Soloist
Graduate College Outstanding Performances (1 of 3)
Kathryn Stachitus
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Vocal Jazz Soloist
Graduate College Outstanding Performances (2 of 3)
Jimin Lee
Mentor: Rosana Eckert

Blues/Pop/Rock Group
Undergraduate College Winner
The Sweatervescence
Tyler Mire - Trumpet
Alex Dubrov - Trombone
Brett McDonald - Tenor Saxophone
Matthew Hill - Vocals/Trumpet
Thomas Davis - Electric Bass
Lindon McCarty - Electric Guitar
Tim Chernikoff - Keyboards
Greg Sadler - Drum Set
Mentor: Jay Saunders

Jazz Arrangement
Graduate College Winners
Kevin Swaim, "Modus Operandy Fusion"
Mentor: Steve Wiest

Jazz Arrangement
Graduate College Outstanding Performances
Sean Nelson, "Just Friends"
Mentor: Paris Rutherford

One O'Clock Lab Band at McDavid Studio on May 13 is Sold Out

05/13/2011 - 12:42pm

The concert by the One O'Clock Lab Band at McDavid Studio in Ft. Worth on May 13 is sold out.

Mike Steinel's Instruments of Change project

05/27/2011 - 10:19am

Mike Steinel's Instruments of Change project provides musical instruments and instruction to people who live in difficult circumstances. Mike traveled recently to Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he met with music educators to plan to replace instruments lost to the storm. Instruments of Change also has projects in South Africa and Haiti. Dylanfest is a benefit for Instruments of Change. See www.dylanfest.org for information about Dylanfest 2011, which will happen on Sunday and Monday, May 29 and 30, in two locations in Denton. Individuals can support Instruments of Change with donations of instruments or funds.

Click on the image below to see Mike's report from Alabama.

News from the 2010-2011 academic year

06/06/2011 - 10:41am

News items from the 2010-2011 academic year and previous years can be browsed using the Archive link on the Contents menu.

"Crystal of Hope" by Daniel Rojas

06/06/2011 - 10:45am

Daniel Rojas, a recent graduate in the arranging emphasis of our bachelor's program in jazz studies, sends this news: "I just wanted to share this link to a recent performance of a song I worked on with Klaus Badelt. It was written for and performed at the 'Spread the Wings of Tolerance' event last week in Vienna. It was a major gala with guests including ex-President Bill Clinton, Brooke Shields, Janet Jackson, Natasha Bedingfield (and many European political and pop figures) to raise awareness for sexual tolerance and the ongoing growth of HIV.

It was a true honor to be a part of it. I played all the guitars as well. Here's the link to the song and a video clip of the event. (link removed)

In other news, I'm having the pleasure to work these days on the arrangement of new songs by the multi Academy-Award winning duo of Alan Menken and Tim Rice for an upcoming animated feature. I hope I can share some of my arrangements for that soon."

Smith, Gheen, and Young tour with Belden and Hagans

06/17/2011 - 12:50pm

Current students Jacob Smith, Jordan Gheen, and Matt Young are touring this summer with Bob Belden and Tim Hagans. Here's a review of a performance in Charleston:

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/bob-belden-and-tim-hagans-explore-bitches-brew/Content?oid=3457403

Lecturer position in jazz piano and improvisation

06/17/2011 - 2:36pm

We are accepting applications for a one-year lecturer position in jazz piano and improvisation. The position announcement is here. Applications must be submitted through the facultyjobs.unt.edu site.

Jim Snidero has a new release

06/24/2011 - 10:58am


Saxophonist and UNT alumnus Jim Snidero has a new release entitled Interface. You can find links to excerpts on his website.

Jim was interviewed by Brian Pace for The Pace Report. That video is on Vimeo.

Progress on video of Slater-Riggs retirement celebration

06/24/2011 - 11:56am

Click for larger image

We know many of you are eager to see the videos from the Nov. 22, 2008 celebration of the retirements of Neil Slater and Jim Riggs. We're making progress: soon we will receive the mixed audio portion. The video is being imported into Final Cut Pro. We'll synch the audio and video and produce the video as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.

1968 One O'Clock Lab Band

06/26/2011 - 9:26am

Tom "Bones" Malone sent this photo:

New Android app

06/27/2011 - 2:53pm


This just in from Steve Wiest, who is responsible for making it happen: Now there's an Android version of The One O'Clock App. You can download it here or find it in the Android Market.

Armando Núñez Portillo publishes "Jazz: Lexicón"

06/28/2011 - 10:54am


Armando Núñez Portillo, guitarist and a 2004 master's graduate of our program, has published Jazz: Lexicón: Vocabulario melódico para la improvisación. it is part of the Colección Ufonías published by the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, México (ISBN 978-607-7691-61-7).

Photo: Héctor Jaramillo. Source.

Update on video editing

07/05/2011 - 5:08pm

 

Update on editing the video from the 2008 tribute to Neil Slater and Jim Riggs. The real audio quality will be much higher than the audio quality of this screencast.

David Weiss has been busy

07/06/2011 - 10:17am


Photo by John Abbott

Trumpeter, composer, arranger, and UNT alumnus Davis Weiss was recently recognized in the rising star arranger category in the DownBeat Critic's Poll. His new CD with Point of Departure, Snuck In, was released by Sunnyside on June 28. You can listen here and read the New York Times review. His CD with The Cookers, Cast the First Stone, was named one of the best 25 CDs of 2011 so far by NPR. He is also heard on the Odean Pope CD Odean's List (listen to samples).

Google+ profile

07/12/2011 - 9:52am

Our program has a Google+ profile:

https://plus.google.com/109228609081804728450/posts

If you would like an invitation to Google+, contact John Murphy at john.murphy@unt.edu.

Terell Stafford is our guest artist for 51st Annual Fall Concert

07/14/2011 - 9:18am


Terell Stafford will join the One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest, for the 51st Annual One O'Clock Lab Band Fall Concert on Nov. 22, 2011 at 8 p.m. in Winspear Hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center at UNT.

Lab 2011 Video Montage Now Available

07/19/2011 - 9:35pm

HD link: http://youtu.be/1kMjXYI0z4Q?hd=1

The HD video montage of Lab 2011 is now posted on YouTube. This year's album will include a bonus DVD containing full length HD videos of all 9 tracks, along with the CD. This is a landmark for us to release an album with video of the entire project.

Congratulations to the students in the band, all of the composers and arrangers, director Steve Wiest, and Craig Marshall and the entire production team for this special achievement.

Prakash Wright's new position

07/26/2011 - 11:25am

Pianist Prakash Wright, a 2005 graduate of UNT's Jazz Studies master's program, has accepted a teaching position at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He'll be teaching jazz theory and improvisation, conducting the jazz ensemble, and assisting with the gospel choir.

Joel Fountain releases "Lindsay's Song"

07/26/2011 - 11:33am


Drummer, composer, and UNT alumnus Joel Fountain has released a new CD entitled Lindsay's Song. You can find out more about it at Joel's blog, bandcamp, cdbaby, and iTunes.

"Modus Operandy" from Lab 2011

07/28/2011 - 8:44am

"Modus Operandy" by Michael Brecker, arranged by UNT student Kevin Swaim, from Lab 2011 by the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band.
HD link: http://youtu.be/Kex1Tbd0QXQ?hd=1

Welcome Jennifer Barnes!

07/28/2011 - 11:20am


Our newest faculty member, Jennifer Barnes, is preparing to begin her work as Director of Vocal Jazz and director of Jazz Singers. Her office is 346; phone is (940) 565-4731; and email is jennifer.barnes@unt.edu.

One O'Clock Lab Band website has a new design

07/29/2011 - 9:25am

The new site includes sample tracks, a newsletter--and a coffee stain.

"Yesterdays" from Lab 2011

08/01/2011 - 6:19pm

 

Play in HD at YouTube: http://youtu.be/_Py3cwcJbwg?hd=1

UNT students with Belden and Hagans in NYC

08/04/2011 - 10:25am

Current UNT students Matt Young, Jacob Smith, and Jordan Gheen played at the Jazz Standard with Bob Belden and Tim Hagans.

"New Song No. 2" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE7JGEzN-qE

"Bitches Brew" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHkSC56hBM

"Cry In The Wind" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PXkep4QvQQ

Tony Kadleck cites Jay Saunders's class in JazzTimes

08/04/2011 - 11:56am

In an article by Anita Brown in the July 2011 JazzTimes that asks prominent lead players for suggestions for students, Tony Kadleck says this about Jay Saunders's lead trumpet masterclass:

"There's a great class at North Texas that Jay Saunders teaches: a Lead Trumpet class. It's amazing. Last year they studied several players: Wayne Bergeron, Craig Johnson, myself, and some others. Jay asked us to send him some mp3s of some things that we thought would be worthwhile to check out. The students study each lead player. He encourages them to listen critically, asking "What are they doing? What do you notice about the time, the feel, the vibrato?" They examine as much as possible from recordings and he makes them think about it. He also has them transcribe lead parts without making the charts available to them. He gets it and he's training these kids to pick apart this stuff, which is great. It's exactly what you need to be doing: emulating good players."

Steve Wiest's "The Last Theme Song" from Lab 2011

08/08/2011 - 8:06pm

John Clayton is our 2012 Gomez Residency Guest Artist

08/09/2011 - 12:48pm


John Clayton will be our guest artist for The Glenn E. Gomez International Artists Endowment for Jazz Studies residency on March 5-8, 2012. He will spend the week working with students and play a concert with the One O'Clock Lab Band, directed by Steve Wiest, on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 8 p.m. in Winspear Hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center on the UNT Denton campus.

Lab 2011 released on Aug. 11, 2011

08/12/2011 - 8:47am


Cover art by Dustin Mollick, who played baritone saxophone on the CD; click for larger version.

The band's annual CD has a new twist this year. Lab 2011 includes a bonus DVD containing full-length videos of all nine tracks--a first for the band. On YouTube you'll find a high-definition video montage and videos of three tracks. The CD /DVD is available to order online at www.penders.com or call the jazz office at 940-565-3743.

John Guari releases "Baritone" EP

08/16/2011 - 1:06pm


UNT Jazz alumnus John Guari (now based in Brooklyn, NY) has recorded and released the five song Baritone EP under the moniker JG. Many UNT alumni were involved in the recording including Paul Orbell, Curt Garey, Myles Turney, Alastair Ottesen, Calley Bliss and Francesca Esmé.

http://jgmusicjg.bandcamp.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6soPWSfQ3Fg

UNT alumnus pledges $22 million to benefit Music, Business, and Engineering

08/16/2011 - 1:14pm

Thai businessman Charn Uswachoke, a 1973 graduate of UNT, has pledged $22 million, the largest gift in UNT's history, to benefit the Colleges of Music, Business, and Engineering. From the Denton Record-Chronicle news story: "From Uswachoke’s current gift, the UNT College of Music will receive $10 million to sponsor faculty positions, touring and recording opportunities for students and for competitive scholarships." The story states that Mr. Uswachoke "developed a love for jazz while at UNT, where his walks frequently took him past the music practice building."

Stefan Karlsson in New York

08/27/2011 - 7:11am

Stefan Karlsson plays with marimbist Mika Yoshida, Eddie Gomez, and Steve Gadd this Wednesday and Thursday at Drom in New York.

Included in this week's New York Times list of jazz events:

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/26/arts/music/jazz-listings-for-aug-26-sept-1.html

Stefan Karlsson and Rodrigo Villanueva tour with Eddie Gomez

09/10/2011 - 7:33am

Stefan Karlsson and Rodrigo Villanueva are touring with Eddie Gomez.

It's an 8-Day tour in the Midwest area. The Eddie Gomez trio is performing at 5 University Jazz Programs, including Indiana University, and a 2-hour set at the River Front Jazz Festival in Stevens Point WI, and at two jazz clubs: St. Paul's Artists' Quarter and Fargo's Studio 222. Stefan, of course, is on our faculty, and Rodrigo is a graduate of our master's program and on the faculty at Northern Illinois University.

Alumni news from Nick Schroeder

09/18/2011 - 2:54pm

Trumpeter Nick Schroeder (B.M. Jazz Studies 2005) sends this news:

About a month ago, he auditioned for the split lead trumpet position in the Glenn Miller Orchestra and won the gig. For the last four years he has been teaching jazz and playing gigs in Urbana, IL and Normal, IL after working on cruise ships two years following UNT graduation. Now he has just one gig, and it's one of the only full-time big band road gigs left. He looks forward to visiting the UNT booth at the JEN conference in January.

Darla Mayes to Retire on Sept. 30

09/21/2011 - 11:03pm


Darla Mayes and Neil Slater. We're researching the photo credit. If you know the name of the photographer please get in touch.

Join us as we celebrate Darla's contribution to the UNT Jazz Studies program on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2011 from 7-9 p.m. in Kenton Hall, room 282 in the Music Building. Refreshments will be served.

In Darla's words:
"I started August 1, 1984. I worked for the Music Education Division which was under Dr. David McGuire. In the spring of 1990 I transferred to Jazz Studies. For about a month I actually did both jobs. Phil Brown and Neil Slater trained me with a lot of help from Judy Schietroma on the Financial areas.

I had worked in the Jazz Office for approximately five years when the One O'Clock was invited to Japan and Hong Kong. Neil, Dr. Cho and I worked on that trip for almost a year. I really wanted to go on that trip as I had not been out of the country before. Neil agreed and it was an awesome experience for me and everyone else.

I feel like our students and our alumni are one of the most important assets we have. This is why I pushed so hard for the alumni receptions at the Jazz Conventions. It is important that they know they are not forgotten and mean a lot to us. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the ones who came before me and the ones I worked with during my years there. I will miss them terribly. All of the faculty have been great and very supportive over the years and I really cannot thank them enough. I feel extremely blessed and thankful for the opportunities Neil gave me to grow in my job. One of my disappointments is that I didn't get to finish transferring all of our albums to CD."

New job for Jay Contrino

09/27/2011 - 9:54pm

Drummer, educator, and UNT master's grad Jay Contrino has been hired by the music department at Southeast Missouri State University to teach jazz appreciation, theory I, aural skills I, and applied lessons for the Fall semester. Congratulations, Jay!

China tour

09/27/2011 - 10:14pm

The Eddie Gomez group will tour China in early October. Along with bassist Gomez are Stefan Karlsson, on sabbatical in the fall, piano; Billy Drummond, drums; recent UNT master's graduate Li Xiaochuan, trumpet; and recent UNT undergrad alumnus Teriver Cheung, guitar.

Dan Haerle travels to Korea and Thailand

10/02/2011 - 8:28pm

Dan Haerle will make a trip to Korea and Thailand in early October to teach and perform. in Korea, he will visit Dongduk Women's University and play a concert at Club Palm in Seoul. In Thailand he will play a concert of his music with the RSU Jazz Orchestra at the Sawasdee Jazz Festival, teach masterclasses, play a concert of his music with the RSU Symphony Orchestra featuring Dan as soloist, and play a concert at Siam City Hotel.

DMA in Performance with a local concentration in Jazz Studies

10/05/2011 - 1:53pm

We have begun accepting applications for the DMA in Performance with a local concentration (major) in Jazz Studies. Students who are admitted in this admissions cycle will begin their studies in Fall 2012. For more information about the degree, see this page:

jazz.unt.edu/dma-performance-jazz-studies

Search keywords: DMA, D.M.A., jazz, jazz studies, Doctorate in Jazz Studies, Doctor of Musical Arts, doctoral degree in jazz, doctorate in jazz

Faculty search

10/05/2011 - 5:10pm

Update on Nov. 22 The deadline, Nov. 21, has passed, and no further applications are being accepted.

We are searching for a tenure track faculty member in Jazz Improvisation. The position announcement is here. A list of FAQs is here.

Brian Clancy featured in NT Daily

10/07/2011 - 1:56pm

Saxophonist Brian Clancy is profiled in this NT Daily article. He is recording a CD and has a kickstarter project to support it.

Hal Galper Trio in residence Oct. 20-21, 2011

10/09/2011 - 9:50pm


The Hal Galper Trio will be in residence on Oct. 20-21, 2011. The trio plays on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 9-11 p.m. in the Syndicate in the University Union. This residence is part of our small group program, which is directed by Stefan Karlsson. Joining veteran pianist and educator Hal Galper are Jeff Johnson on bass and John Bishop on drums. The trio has just released the CD "E Pluribus Unum: Live in Seattle" on Origin Records.

Jazz Singers to perform at the Kennedy Center

10/20/2011 - 2:40pm

The UNT Jazz Singers, directed by Prof. Jennifer Barnes, our new Director of Vocal Jazz, will perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in November 2011 along with Jon Hendricks, the Manhattan Transfer, and Afro Blue, the premier vocal jazz ensemble at Howard University.

On Friday, Nov. 19, 2011, the group will arrive in Washington, D.C. and have a rehearsal. A performance may be scheduled for the evening.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, 2011, the group will participate in a master class from 1-3 p.m. that is open to the public with the Manhattan Transfer and Howard University's Afro Blue.

At 6 p.m. they will perform in a public concert on the Millennium Stage.

On Sunday, Nov. 21, after rehearsing from 1 to 5 p.m., they will present a concert at 7 p.m. with Jon Hendricks, the Manhattan Transfer and Afro Blue.
 

William F. Lee III (1929-2011)

10/27/2011 - 4:06pm

William F. Lee III, an alumnus of the University of North Texas and a pioneer in jazz education, died at age 82 on Oct. 23, 2011. After earning two degrees at UNT, where he worked with Wilfred Bain, Gene Hall, and Floyd Graham, he went on to lead the effort to build the jazz program at the University of Miami. Read about his distinguished career:

 

 

N'awlins Gumbo Kings release Christmas CD

10/31/2011 - 1:05pm

The N'awlins Gumbo Kings have just released a Christmas CD, "Holiday Gumbo." The band includes UNT alumni Steve Howard (trumpet) and Carl Hillman (bass), UNT faculty member Tony Baker (trombone), Mike Sizer (clarinet, saxophone, vocal), Brian Piper (piano, Hammond B3, vocal), and Bobby Breaux (drums). One third of the proceeds from the CD between now and Christmas will be donated to the North Texas Food Bank.

For more information: gumbokings.com.

The group has lots of local performances in the next several weeks, including:
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 — Denton High School Auditorium, 7:30 PM
Christmas CD Release Concert,
1007 Fulton St. Denton, Texas (940)-369-2000
Denton H.S. Jazz Band will open the show.
1/2 ticket sales go to North Texas Food Bank
General Admission-$10, Students-$5

Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 — Sweetwater Grill and Tavern, 7:00 PM
Christmas CD Release Party!!
115 S. Elm St, Denton, Texas (940) 484-2888

Steve Wiest receives ASCAP award

10/31/2011 - 7:06pm

Steve Wiest has been awarded an ASCAPLUS award by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. The award recognizes Steve's "creative contributions to American music this past year." Awardees are chosen by an independent panel. Congratulations, Steve!

 

Bret Primack video features One O'Clock Lab Band

10/31/2011 - 7:16pm

Bret Primack, also known as JazzVideoGuy on YouTube, visited our program a few weeks ago. This is one in a series of videos that he will be producing.

Rich DeRosa visits Northwestern University

10/31/2011 - 9:28pm

On Oct. 31-Nov. 3 Rich DeRosa is visiting Northwestern University. He's doing some teaching and his works are being performed on Tuesday by the Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra.

Rob Wilkerson is part of the Brooklyn Bablyon project

11/01/2011 - 3:10pm

Rob Wilkerson, saxophonist and UNT alumnus, will play Darcy James Argue's new music as part of the Brooklyn Babylon project at BAM in November 2011.

Tyler Mire, Emily Merrell, and Brett McDonald win JEN awards

11/03/2011 - 2:36pm

Current students Tyler Mire and Emily Merrell and former student Brett McDonald have won awards in the 2012 Jazz Education Network composition showcase.

http://www.jazzednet.org/1/en/http%3A/%252Fwww.jazzednet.org/1/en/Scholarship_Award

Guest speakers in jazz studies: Keith Waters, Wolfram Knauer

11/04/2011 - 2:59pm

Both events are open to the public. For more information contact john.murphy@unt.edu.

1. On Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, Dr. Keith Waters of the University of Colorado Boulder will visit two classes to discuss his research on the second Miles Davis Quintet. He is the author of The Studio Recordings of the Miles Davis Quintet 1965-68 (Oxford, 2011).

The two classes:
MUJS 4470 History of Jazz 9-9:50 in 262;
MUJS 5780 Jazz Styles and Analysis (crosslisted with MUET 5230 Ethnomusicological Transcription and Analysis) 10-10:50 in 263.

music.colorado.edu/faculty/keith-waters/

2. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Dr. Wolfram Knauer, director of the Jazzinstitut Darmstadt, will give a talk on differences between recent developments in jazz in the U.S. and Europe, and on jazz research generally, in MUJS 5440 Introduction to Research in Jazz Studies, which meets from 9:30-10:50 in 263.

Richard Derosa featured in Bret Primack video

11/06/2011 - 11:24pm

Bret Primack, also known as JazzVideoGuy, visited our program a few weeks ago. He is producing a series of videos. The latest one features Richard DeRosa, our professor of jazz arranging and composition.

Tatiana Mayfield and friends are featured on Good Morning Texas

11/07/2011 - 12:27pm

Tatiana Mayfield (vocals) and friends appeared on "Good Morning Texas" this past Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. Also featured: Erskine Hawkins (piano), Joel Cross (guitar), Ben Bohorquez (tenor sax), Gavin Kelso (bass), and Brian Harmon (drums). All but Brian are either alumni or current UNT students.

There Will Never Be Another You

 

Baubles, Bangles, and Beads

 

 

 

Keith Waters gives two talks on the second Miles Davis Quintet

11/11/2011 - 6:07pm


Photo by Michael Palma

Keith Waters of the University of Colorado Boulder visited UNT on 11/11/11 and gave two talks on the music of the second Miles Davis Quintet. We're studying his new book, The Studio Recordings of the Miles Davis Quintet, 1965-68, in MUJS 5780, Jazz Styles and Analysis.

New Bret Primack video: What is the One O'Clock Lab Band?

11/12/2011 - 2:08pm

Bret Primack, also known as JazzVideoGuy, visited our program a few weeks ago. He is producing a series of videos. This one focuses on the One O'Clock Lab Band.

Dan Haerle Trio releases "Aspiration"

11/14/2011 - 4:46pm


Aspiration, the new CD by the Dan Haerle Trio, has just been released on Seagull Recordings. The trio includes Dan on piano, Bob Bowman on bass, and Jack Mouse on drums. All of the compositions are by Dan Haerle. You can find it at cdbaby.

Wolfram Knauer visits UNT Jazz Studies Division

11/15/2011 - 4:21pm

Wolfram Knauer, director of the Jazzinstitut Darmstadt, visited John Murphy's class on Nov. 15, 2011 to discuss European jazz and jazz research.

Fred Hamilton, Ed Soph and Students from 5490

11/22/2011 - 3:05pm

Fred Hamilton and Ed Soph will perform six compositions with current students from the Graduate Improvisation class on Wednesday, November 30 at 8:00pm in Kenton Hall. The class focused upon the creation of improvisation within the confines of tunes and also within the openness of intuition. Said in another way, it is music that embraces the creative consciousness of bebop (think Bird and Monk) and free jazz (think Ornette or Albert Ayler). For all those who have ears to hear.

Ed Soph receives Yamaha Educational Lifetime Achievement Award

11/29/2011 - 5:14pm


PDF of news release
Ed Soph has received a Yamaha Educational Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations, Ed!

From the award announcement:

For years, Yamaha has recognized a number of its artists for their commitments to education and the growth of young musicians. The Educational Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2009 and is given to percussion and drumset artists that have are highly influential on education. The 2011 recipients are James Petercsak, Ed Soph, and Jim Sewrey.

Ed Soph has been a Yamaha Performing Artist since 1986. His career spans 40 years as a performer, recording artist, author, and educator. He is currently professor of Jazz Studies in the renowned College of Music at the University of North Texas. He has been associated with the big bands of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Bill Watrous, and Clark Terry. He has traveled the world, presenting clinics and master classes in Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe, as well as innumerable appearances domestically. Ed counts some of the world’s best drummers as former students, including Yamaha Performing Artists Keith Carlock, Ari Hoenig, and Dave Weckl.

Bret Primack: Jazz Education Is Alive and Well at the University of North Texas

11/29/2011 - 5:26pm

Bret Primack, aka JazzVideoGuy, has been doing a series of videos on our program. He titles this one "Jazz Education Is Alive and Well at the University of North Texas".

UNT Jazz Summer Workshops

12/02/2011 - 3:40pm

For updated information about our summer 2012 summer workshops, see the workshops page.

Dan Haerle interviewed by Bret Primack

12/02/2011 - 3:51pm

 

 

Tom Kessler releases the CD "Lídinum"

12/08/2011 - 2:47pm


Tom Kessler, guitarist, composer and graduate of our program, has released the CD "Lídinum". You can find out more about it at Tom's bandcamp page.

Daniel Pardo releases "Joy to the Other World" CD

12/09/2011 - 11:25am


Daniel Pardo, a master's student in performance who is taking jazz classes, has released the CD "Joy to the Other World", with imaginative arrangements of Christmas music. You can find out more about it at www.danielpardomusic.com.

Stockton Helbing's CD reviewed at allaboutjazz

12/12/2011 - 5:12pm

 

Stockton Helbing's new CD Battlestations & Escape Plans got a great review at allaboutjazz.com. Stockton is an alumnus of our program and the One O'Clock Lab Band. He teaches our Music Industry Entrepreneurship course. In this video he talks about the story that goes with the music on the CD. Learn more about Stockton's music at www.stocktonhelbing.com. Other UNT alumni play on the album as well.

College of Music Online Store

12/15/2011 - 9:51am

The College of Music Online store is now open:

music.unt.edu/store

A small selection of Jazz Studies CDs is available now. We plan to add CDs, downloads, and branded merchandise from all areas of the College of Music.

Kenton Centennial

12/15/2011 - 3:45pm

The UNT Music Library has posted a collection of images and audio in commemoration of the centennial of Stan Kenton's birth:

https://library.unt.edu/music/collections/stan-kenton/

Clem DeRosa

12/21/2011 - 10:14pm


Clem DeRosa
May 20, 1925 - December 20, 2011

Written by Richard DeRosa

Clem DeRosa, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night at 11PM CST. He succumbed after a long battle with cancer. An internationally respected musician (educator, professional conductor/bandleader, composer, arranger, drummer, and author), his greatest legacy was as one of the pioneers of jazz education dating back to the 1950s. He was perhaps the first public school educator to instill a solid jazz curriculum and teaching method in the 1950s that became nationally recognized by 1961 (his bands appearing on the Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin TV shows) by producing young high school jazz bands that sounded astonishingly professional. Gil Evans, Johnny Richards, and Billy Byers were just three prominent arrangers who were so impressed with Clem¹s results, that they had his young bands perform and record their arrangements.

Clem was a key founding member of the organization that would become the National Association of Jazz Educators and subsequently grew into the International Association of Jazz Educators. He also worked very closely with Stan Kenton as a faculty member of the Stan Kenton Clinics along with Gene Hall, Leon Breeden and others. Many of his high school students became members of the famed One O¹Clock Lab Bands at UNT (then known as North Texas State College) in the 1960s.

Upon his retirement from music education in 1980, Clem spent most of his career touring the world as a professional bandleader for the Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman orchestras and was also a co-author of several books including ones with Mel Lewis, Dick Hyman, Michael Moore, and Ed Shaugnessy.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Clem is survived by his wife Shirley, his eldest son Richard, his daughter Dianne, his youngest son Gary, and two grandchildren­, Martina and Janice.

A longer obituary may be found at allaboutjazz.