JAZZ AT WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Led by the nationally-acclaimed WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra, WIU boasts an active jazz program, including three big bands and several combos. More than 100 students participate in the jazz program, which demands high performance standards. Western has become the place to study jazz.

While the Jazz Studio Orchestra is WIU's premier jazz performance ensemble, the university also has two other high quality performing bands: Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble. In addition to two on campus performances per semester, the bands perform regional recruiting concerts and other public performances. The high quality of these ensembles sets a fine example of big band performance for music educators.

JSO TOUR

In addition to the big band activities, WIU also provides a jazz combo program. The focus of these groups is to provide small ensemble performance opportunities in jazz. The focus of the combos is on improvisation, arranging, and learning to listen and communicate musically.

THE JAZZ PERFORMANCE CURRICULUM

Courses for a performance major with jazz studies emphasis include the following:

• Jazz Improvisation
• Jazz Arranging
• Jazz History
• American Popular Music
• Jazz Techniques and Pedagogy
• Jazz Combo (performing ensemble)
• Big Band (performing ensemble)

TOP NAME GUEST ARTISTS

WIU attracts big names in jazz and entertainment. Groups and artists to appear at Western include Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, DIVA (No Man's Band), Eddie Daniels, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The Yellowjackets, Dianne Reeves, The Woody Herman Band, the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, The Count Basie Band, Pat Metheny, Dizzy Gillespie, Spyro Gyra, Maynard Ferguson, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, and Bob Newhart are a few who have appeared in recent years. Guest jazz artists performing with the WIU groups include Urbie Green, Ernie Watts, Louis Bellson, Bunky Green, Nick Brignola, Marvin Stamm, Steve Houghton, Diane Schuur, Snooky Young, Frank Mantooth, Ed Sarath, Howie Smith, Bill Porter, Willie Thomas, Danny Barber, Rich Matteson, Don Menza, Willie Perkins, Bob Bowman, Robert Sly, Ruben Alvarez, and West German jazz star Bernd Konrad.

Jazz at Western Illinois University is experiencing a period of exciting growth. With tremendous support from the University, the College of Fine Arts, and the Department of Music, jazz and the study of the art of jazz is "alive and well" at WIU and promises an even brighter future.

JAZZ FACULTY

Matthew Warnock | Kevin Nichols | John Vana | John Cooper | | Karl Seigfried | Michael Stryker

THE HOPPER JAZZ SEXTET

L-R: Matthew Warnock, Kevin Nichols, John Vana, John Cooper, Karl Seigfried
Front: Michael Stryker

Listen to Intown Samba - Cooper

Contact the Jazz Studio Orchestra Director, John Cooper, at JB-Cooper@wiu.edu or 309-298-1505.

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