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Helen Sung

Winner of the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition, pianist-composer Helen Sung is pioneering her own path: as an Asian-American artist, she bridges diverse worlds with her singular vision and sound. She is an electrifying performer, welcoming “listeners into her world: a place of passion, adventure and drama, and truckloads of rhythm…taking audiences for a ride they won’t soon forget.” (Kalamazoo Gazette). A native of Houston, Texas, and graduate of its renowned High School For The Performing & Visual Arts, Sung was an aspiring classical major at the University of Texas at Austin before “a Tommy Flanagan solo changed everything”. Soon after, she was accepted into the inaugural class of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance (at the New England Conservatory), an intensive program that proved to be an unprecedented opportunity to study and perform with some of the greatest masters of jazz music. Now based in New York City, Sung has gone on to work with such jazz masters as Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter, Steve Turre, Steve Wilson, and MacArthur Fellow Regina Carter. She can currently be seen performing with the Mingus Big Band, T.S.Monk, and Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic project. As a bandleader, Sung has released several critically acclaimed albums including a 2011 debut CD on the Steeplechase label: (re)Conception; her 2nd release on Sunnyside Records: Going Express (2010); her Sunnyside debut Sungbird after Albéniz, a jazz-classical adventure which was hailed “a real winner” (All About Jazz); and Helenistique (Fresh Sound), praised as “one of the year’s most exciting listens.” (JazzTimes). Sung has also appeared on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, NPR’s JazzSet, and with feature slots at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Aspen Ideas Festival, Seattle’s Earshot Festival; Fontana Chamber Arts Summer Festival; the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Festival; the Clifford Brown Festival; and special duo concerts with master bassist Ron Carter, she is poised for the international stage: her trio was featured at the Kalisz International Jazz Piano Festival (Poland) and Jazz Lucca Donna (Italy) and her NuGenerations band toured southern Africa as a US State Department-Rhythm Road Jazz Ambassador. Sung was a 2010 NYC Spaces/Con Edison Composer-in-Residence at New York’s Flushing Town Hall, and has completed commissions for the West Chester University Poetry Conference and arts education organization JazzReach. Her rich experience at the Monk Institute inspires her to remain involved with music education through clinics and workshops. She also produced a weeklong jazz residency program (made possible by a Chamber Music America/Doris Duke Foundation grant) benefiting underserved youth, serves as Senior Faculty at the Litchfield Jazz Camp, and joined the Berklee School of Music as an Associate Professor in Fall 2011. (Photo by Kathy Villacorta)

Justin Vasquez

Evolution and a fiercely open-minded approach to composition are the hallmarks of alto and soprano saxophonist Justin Vasquez's artistry. Shedding dutifully before hitting the east and west coasts for critical apprenticeships, he has honed a boundary defying style as fluid and organic as it is impressive. On Triptych, his startlingly mature self-produced recording debut as a leader, Justin Vasquez - at 26 - is fast becoming a force in a genre he is still struggling to define. Evolution on an inordinately high level has been a constant in the life of Justin Vasquez. “I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and grew up in several other small towns,” he begins. Justin arrived at the University of Texas in Austin fully intending to study classical music, but was eventually drawn to the jazz department. Hitting the bandstand with drummer Gerry Gibbs, Justin got the golden early opportunity play and tour with jazz legends like Randy Brecker, Tom Harrell, Mike Stern, Sam Rivers and Dave Liebman. After graduating college in 2005, Justin spent two-and-a-half years in Los Angeles, performing in local big bands and forming the powerhouse group Los Cuatro (a quartet with Yellowjackets’ bassist Jimmy Haslip). He later moved to New York where he has been playing with the city’s top musicians such as Jojo Mayer, Elliot Mason, Janek Gwzidala, Tim Miller, Oli Rockberger, and Sean Rickman. To bring Triptych to life, Justin acquired some of music’s most cutting edge players: pianist Aaron Parks, guitarist Adam Rogers, bassist Orlando Le Fleming and drummer Clarence Penn. Adding distinctive colors to this wide-ranging palette are Gregoire Maret on harmonica and vocalist Gretchen Parlato. Justin’s composition, “Fields,” a moving heartland piece that moves between 11/4 and waltz time, recently won the ASCAP Jazz Composers Award. “My goals are to play with the very best musicians and to push myself as far as I possibly can,” Justin concludes, “communicating something worthwhile about my experience on this planet to people who want to listen.”

Mace Hibbard

Grammy award winning saxophonist, arranger and composer Mace Hibbard has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and versatile saxophonists on the scene today. Born and raised in Waco, Texas, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in performance and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies. While in Austin, Mace developed as a composer and formed Odd Man Out, who released their self-titled debut on Viewpoint Records in 2000. In addition to his growing jazz career, Hibbard began developing his reputation as an outstanding performer in all genres, playing in ensembles as diverse as the Austin Symphony, singer-songwriter Drew Smith, the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, and The Stingers. Mace moved to Atlanta in 2003 where he continues his reputation as a gifted performer. Hibbard has also served as instructor of jazz saxophone at Georgia State University since 2005. Backed by his long time ensemble, Mace recently released his latest endeavor, Time Gone By. Time Gone By is a full throttle voyage firmly respectful of the traditions of jazz, but absolutely cognoscente of modern jazz idioms. Time Gone By is the second contribution by the Mace Hibbard Quintet. His first album, When Last We Met, was released in 2007 to rave reviews and worldwide airplay. Founded in 2005 in Atlanta, having a established, working band is especially important to Hibbard. Says Hibbard, “I’ve always been influenced by the bands of Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley and in the modern time, Branford Marsalis and Dave Holland, where the contributions of all of the musicians creates a strong ensemble. I feel that the chemistry and interplay that has developed over the years has really given this band a cohesive sound in how it interprets the music. All of the members of the band have great musical instincts and suggestions, and I want the band to be a platform where they feel their contributions have equal merit. On any given concert, you will hear compositions by all of the members of the band which I feel also adds to the band’s distinctive sound.”

David Renter

David Renter teaches at the University of Lethbridge (Canada) Music Conservatory. He completed his Doctorate of Music in Composition at the University of Texas at Austin in May 2008. His dissertation, entitled "Holiday in Reality", is a five-movement suite composed for jazz chamber ensemble including strings, brass, woodwinds, and jazz rhythm section. This dissertation was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Dissertation Award by the University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts. Previously he was Director of Jazz Studies and Saxophone Instructor at Oklahoma City University. David completed his Master of Music in Composition at the University of Texas at Austin in 2002 and his Bachelor of Music at the University of Lethbridge in 1998. His previous saxophone teachers include: Margaret Mezei, Susan Staples, Dr. Jeremy Brown and Harvey Pittel. In the fall of 2002, David was awarded first place for his big band composition Closing (Afterthought) at the First International Jazz Composition Contest in Brussels, Belgium. He was invited to Brussels, Belgium to conduct his winning composition with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. The performance was recorded and released on New Baltic Records. David was also a participant at the 2001 & 2002 Banff International Jazz Workshops where he had the opportunity to study and perform with Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider and Kenny Wheeler. His first CD entitled A Tale of Three Cities was released in 2004 featuring pianist Kurt Ellenberger and bassist Dave Spring. In December 2006, David recorded his second jazz CD titled Everywhere I Go with pianist Chris Andrew, bassist Kodi Hutchinson and drummer Tyler Hornby. The recording features many original compositions and was released in August 2007 on Chronograph records. Both recordings are available from www.cdbaby.com and iTunes.

David Sierra

David Sierra was born in Austin, Texas on October 3, 1987. He was introduced to the drum set by his older brother, Chris Sierra, due to his need for a drummer in his new rock band. David was 7 at the time. After a few years honing his skills, David received a brand new silver sparkle drum set as a birthday present from his brother Chris which inspired David to the point of assurance that this was what God put him on this earth to do. At the age of 12, he began playing at local clubs such as "The Back Room," "La Zona Rosa," and "Antones" gaining invaluable experience in the ever growing music scene of Austin. David enrolled in the band program once he began middle school where he learned to read music. Mike LaCour, his band instructor, was instrumental in introducing David to Jazz music and Classical percussion. With many hours of focused practice and the diligence of a perfectionist, David went on to win many awards in both the Classical and Jazz arenas. In high school he was a member of the All-State Symphony Orchestra his Junior year and also a member of the All-State Jazz band his Senior year. After graduating from high school, David began studying Jazz music at the University of Texas at Austin under the direction of Jeff Hellmer, John Fremgen, John Mills, and Brannen Temple. David graduated in 2010 and received the honorary Eleanor Alexander Stribling Award for Excellence in Jazz Studies. Currently, David lives in Austin and tours the nation with the Bodeans. He works with multiple bands while also composing his own music with "The Sound of Substance" and works as a session drummer. He deems himself to be versatile as he covers a wide variety of genres. He has played with many accomplished musicians such as Ron Westray, Jon Blondell, Rick Trevino, Dave Stryker, Helen Sung, Neal Caine, Red Young, Carmen Bradford, Chris Thomas, Mitch Watkins, Justin Vasquez, Ephraim Owens, Dr. James Polk, and many more. David finds passion in music no matter the style and holds a high standard for excellence. He believes that making music is a gift from God that comes with the responsibility to share, inspire, heal, and bring joy to people.

Hamilton Price

Hamilton Price began playing Tuba at age 14 in his hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas. At 17, he switched his focus to the upright bass. He received his Bachelors degree in Classical Double Bass Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. Hamilton studied improvised music with bassist John Fremgen and pianist Jeff Hellmer, and studied Classical Double Bass with David Neubert. He played in Gerry Gibbs' Thrasher Band for five years, which led him to Los Angeles where he lives today. Performances: Billy Childs, Geoffrey Keezer, Eric Reed, Joanne Brackeen, Tamir Hendelman, Tigran Hamasyan, Otmaro Ruiz, Patrice Rushen, Dewey Redman, Dave Liebman, Steve Wilson, Bob Sheppard, John Abercrombie, Gary Bartz, Sam Rivers, Ravi Coltrane, James Moody, Walter Smith III, Tom Scott, Hubert Laws, Terry Gibbs, Kevin Mahogany, Roberta Gambarini, Jon Hendricks, Anthony Wilson, Chico Pinheiro, Larry Koonse, Peter Sprague, Mike Stern, Larry Coryell, Tom Harrell, Randy Brecker, Gilbert Castellanos, Steve Turre, Brian Blade, Willie Jones III, Terreon Gully, Antonio Sanchez, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Mark Ferber, Clarence Penn, Vinnie Colaiuta, Francisco Mela, Peter Erskine, T.S. Monk, Lewis Nash, Gary Novak Teaching: Hamilton teaches privately, and has coached combos at both LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Performing Arts) and Harvard-Westlake Middle School. Discography: Geoffrey Keezer/Peter Sprague "Mill Creek Road" -SBE Records 2011 Mary Stallings "Dream" -High Note Records 2010 Denise Donatelli "When Lights are Low" -Savant Records 2010 -(Grammy Nominated) Josh Nelson “I Hear a Rhapsody” -self-release 2009 Denise Donatelli “What Lies Within” -Savant Records 2008 Terry Gibbs “Finding the Groove” -Jazzed Media 2007 Gerry Gibbs “Faces Unkown” -Sms Jazz 2006 Gerry Gibbs Big Band “Live at Luna” -Whaling City Sound 2006 Elias Haslanger “Dream Story” -self-release 2006 Valeri Grohovski “Double Bach” -self-release 2004 Eddy Hobizal “Anamnesis” -self-release 2003

John Arndt

Born in Marshfield, Wisconsin, John Arndt was drawn to music at an early age. Studying the piano since the age of six, he has traveled all over the U.S. and abroad performing with various artists. John received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. In demand all over the country as a composer, arranger, producer, and pianist, John has been nominated two consecutive years for a Grammy through his work with the Christian band Gungor. John also produces the acclaimed ensemble The Brilliance.

Jack Cooper

Dr. Jack Cooper, Associate Professor and Jazz and Studio Music Area Coordinator (B.A., M.A.,Cal. State, Los Angeles; D.M.A., Univ. of Texas, Austin), has a wide range of experience as performer, composer, and educator. Most recently he is the recipient of the 2010 University of Memphis Alumni Association Distinguished Achievement in the Creative Arts Award. As a saxophone/woodwind performer and staff arranger, Dr. Cooper performed, recorded, and toured with the U.S. Army "Jazz Knights" from 1989 to 1995. As a woodwind doubler, he has performed with Manhattan Transfer, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Ray Romano, Macey Gray, Brian McKnight, the Temptations, the IRIS Orchestra and many others. His lead alto and woodwind playing can be heard on the critically acclaim 2009 release “Coming Through Slaughter” featuring trumpeter Tim Hagens. Dr. Cooper has performed with and written music for jazz artists Peter Erskine, Marvin Stamm, Bobby Shew, Mulgrew Miller, Gary Foster, Benny Powell, and Christian McBride. His most recent CD recording of his compositions is with Centaur Records, “The Chamber Wind Music of Jack Cooper” (Centaur 3027, released in 2010). His compositions and arrangements have been performed and/or recorded by the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Westchester Jazz Orchestra, the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Junction Symphony, the Summit Jazz Orchestra (Germany), the U.S. Army "Jazz Ambassadors," the U.S. Navy "Commodores," the Rob Parton Jazz Orchestra, the Cavani String Quartet, the Ceruti String Quartet, Alma Latina, DEKA Jazz and the Brass 5. Dr. Cooper's television music composition credits included "the Jenny Jones Show," "Hollywood Xtra, "SOCAN, and news broadcasts in the Washington, D.C. area. He has been a staff arranger and clinician for Alfred/Belwin Jazz Publications since 1992. His music is also published by UNC Jazz Press, ReallyGoodMusic.com, Increase Music, and Three-Two music. Jack Cooper is musical director and founder of the Jazz Orchestra of the Delta. Their CD, "Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter," was released in June 2003 on the Summit Record Label and features music entirely composed and or arranged by Dr. Cooper. He collaborated with award winning choreographer Mark Godden to produce the ballet "Two Jubilees" which was premiered in February of 2006. Listen to Dr. Cooper's The Time Awaits for piano and studio orchestra (Quicktime required). Jack Cooper joined The University of Memphis as a faculty member in 1998.

Elias Haslanger

Elias is a dynamic, young jazz saxophone player and composer who has played with artists Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Harry Connick, Jr., Martin Banks, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Wes Anderson, Andre Hayward, Russell Gunn, Lew Soloff, Frank Foster, Clark Terry, Russell Malone, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Jesse Davis, Steve Turre, Al Grey, Peter Martin, Donald Edwards, Allen Farnham, Roland Guerin, Fred Sanders, Edwin Livingston, JJ Johnson, Pete Rodriguez, Bruce Saunders, Ephraim Owens, Kirk Whalum, Peter Stoltzman, Thomas Heflin, Ron Westray, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Joe LoCasio, Tony Campise, Asleep at the Wheel, Mitch Watkins, Bob Meyer, Jae Sinnett, Marvin Stamm, James Polk, and countless others. Elias has opened for the legendary McCoy Tyner and jazz greats Kenny Garrett and Terence Blanchard. Elias has performed around the United States and Europe at clubs like Snug Harbor in New Orleans, Jazz Alley in Seattle, The Elephant in Austin, and The Blue Note in New York. He has also acted as a guest artist/lecturer at universities around the nation. Mentored by the legendary saxophonists Harvey Pittel and Dick Oatts, Elias began to explore the instrument’s vast potential by studying saxophone at the University of Texas and then at the Manhattan School of Music. His interest in writing music culminated in a Master’s Degree in Composition at Texas State University. In 1997, Elias was awarded the Jazz Instrumental Soloist College Outstanding Performance for the 20th Annual Downbeat Student Music Awards and in 1998, Elias was awarded the Mitte Scholarship from TSU for academic achievement. Elias taught theory, saxophone and composition at TSU in San Marcos for a year before moving to New York. Recently, after 4 years & 3 months in Brooklyn, Elias has returned to his roots in Austin,TX where he pursues his dream of playing music and living a balanced life. Elias has recorded 4 critically acclaimed CD’s; Standards, For the Moment, Kicks are For Kids, and Dream Story, all of which have been played on radio stations around the world. Elias’ playing has drawn comparisons to John Coltrane, Ben Webster, and Sonny Rollins. Elias’ 3rd CD “Kicks are for Kids“, which features Ellis Marsalis, reached #4 on Gavin Jazz charts with 180 radio stations around the country playing it. “For the Moment” received substantial national airplay, reaching #11 on the Gavin Jazz charts and #14 on the Jazziz Radioactive chart. Elias was voted Best Horn player at the 1997 Austin Music Awards and Best Jazz Group at the 2000 Austin Music Awards. “Kicks are for Kids” was voted as one of the top five jazz records of the year by Rick Mitchell of the Houston Chronicle, while the Austin Chronicle’s writers Jay Tractenburg and Christopher Hess voted it as the #1 and #3 best record of all Austin Artists. Downbeat magazine writer Michael Point voted “Kicks are for Kids” as one of the top ten best CD’s to come out of Austin in the 90's. Elias has been featured in many national publications including Billboard, JazzTimes, Cadence, Texas Monthly, and JazzIs. Elias’ latest CD “Dream Story”, just released, is already receiving national radio play and drawing critical acclaim from writers, musicians and critics alike.

Charlie Richard

Charile Richard is an associate professor at Riverside (California) Community College. There he directs Jazz Ensemble I, co-directs the Evening Jazz Ensemble, teaches studio saxophone and the MIDI Workstation program. He received his Bachelor and Masters degrees from California State University Los Angeles, where he studied composition and arranging with Bob Curnow, David Caffey and William Hill. Charlie later completed graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin where he studied saxophone with Harvey Pittel. While a student at the University of Texas in 1989 he received the downbeat magazine award for best Extended Original Jazz Composition. His compositions and arrangements can be heard on Sea Breeze releases, "The Hawk's Out" and "Reunion" by the Hawk-Richard Jazz Orchestra. His compositions are also available from Walrus Publications. In 1999 he directed the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association High School Jazz All-Stars. Mr. Richard is also on the faculty of the Idyllwild Arts Summer Jazz Camp. A partial list of some of the artists that he has played for includes: The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Long Beach Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, Lou Rawls, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Legends of Swing, Doris Day, Redlands Symphony Orchestra, Mark Masters Jazz Composers Orchestra and Hip Pocket. Mr. Richard is also a Past-President of the California Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education.

Mitch Butler

Dr. Mitchell Butler is a native of Raleigh, NC and currently calls Orangeburg, SC home. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Performance from East Carolina University. Dr. Butler is also a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Doctor of Music Arts degree in Music Performance with jazz emphasis. Dr. Butler has been playing the trombone since the age of 12. With his participation in middle and high school ensembles, and exposure to jazz as a teenager by a musically inclined family, ‘Mitch’ has had a fondness for music even before becoming a professional performer. Since that time, he has developed a reputation for leadership in performance and education in the Mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Butler was the trombonist and leader of the jazz/fusion group Nebulous Jazztet from 2001 to 2006 and is currently leader of Modus Bone and the Mitch Butler Trio. These groups serve as entertainment and educational ensembles for the Triangle area of North Carolina and the Midlands of South Carolina, performing in venues ranging from night clubs to jazz festivals to music seminars. He was also the solo trombonist in the well renowned North Carolina Jazz Repertoire Orchestra led by Jazz Trumpeter and Educator Jim Ketch from 1999 to 2006. Dr. Butler is currently a member of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra headed by world renowned trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. In February of 2010 the N.O.J.O. won the Grammy Award for large jazz ensemble with the release of the recording Book One - a recording that Mitch is featured on. Dr. Butler is also the solo trombonist for the international award winning jazz group JazzBonez featuring six trombones and rhythm section. Contributions to The New Five Jazz Project based in Austin, Texas and the John Brown Jazz Orchestra based in Durham, NC have also proven to be important to his musical development as a performer, composer, and educator. He has also performed and/or recorded with musical greats such as John Brown, Curtis Fuller, Derrick Gardner, Vincent Gardner, Aaron Graves, Benny Green, Tim Hagans, Slide Hampton, Tom Harrell, Andre Hayward, Conrad Herwig, Brad Leali, Jason Marshall, Bob Mintzer, Melton Mustafa, Dick Oates, Bill Reichenbach, Rufus Reid, Herlin Riley, Stephen Riley, Adonis Rose, Grady Tate, Billy Taylor, Gregory Tardy, The Temptations, Ray Vega, Fred Wesley, and Ron Westray among many others. Much time has also been invested as an educator in jazz studies. Dr. Butler was recently named the Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of Music at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. He has also invested time in music throughout the community, having provided private lessons in trombone and jazz studies as well as participating in clinics/workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and central Texas. Dr. Butler has also held faculty and teaching positions at several institutions including Durham School of the Arts, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, Elon University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the University of Texas at Austin. Mitch Butler is an exclusive Michael Rath Trombones artist and clinician.

Tommy Poole

Dr. Tommy Poole is Director of Jazz Studies and assistant professor of music at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He is an active saxophonist and woodwind doubler in a variety of genres. He has performed or recorded with such luminaries as Rosemary Clooney, Jack Jones, Eartha Kitt, Anthony Newley, Marilyn McCoo, Red Buttons, Maynard Ferguson, The Woody Herman Orchestra under the direction of Frank Tiberi, Vikki Carr, Diane Schuur, Maureen McGovern, Nell Carter, Boots Randolph, Joe Williams, Mercer Ellington, and Dianne Reeves. Poole can be heard playing saxophones on Spoon's critically acclaimed CD, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga(2007). Poole has composed and arranged works for a variety of settings from commercial show bands, to jazz big bands, to full-sized studio orchestras. His orchestrations have been featured on at least five commercially available CDs. As an educator, Poole has served as guest clinician for various regional jazz festivals and was named the 2009-2010 Oklahoma Collegiate Jazz Educator of the Year by the Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association. His research on metric modulations in jazz has been published in Jazz Improv Magazine. He is a member of Jazz Education Network and College Music Society. He received his BM and DMA from The University of Texas at Austin and his MM from The University of Miami.

Paul G. White

Born in Miami, FL in 1973, Paul became infatuated with music at a very early age. His eclectic musical education began with his exposure to John Coltrane during his first years of college at Appalachian State University. Soon after he began to realize the potential for expression within this art form and fully committed himself to the study of good music, with an emphasis on jazz. After completing his degree at Appalachian State University he went on to graduate school at The University of Texas at Austin where he began to study more specifically jazz saxophone and composition. In 1999 he finished his Masters of Music in composition and then completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition with Jazz Emphasis in 2003. During his residency at both universities, Paul studied with a variety of composition and performance instructors including Dan Welcher, Rick Lawn, Rick Margitza, William Gora and Donald Grantham. Paul has performed with and has had the privilege of writing for many local and national musicians such as Phil Woods, Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, Butch Miles, Frank Mantooth, Wayne Newton, Bob Newhart, Pete Rodriguez and many others. His compositions have been performed all over the country by many academic, professional and military ensembles, including Riverside Community College, New England Conservatory and the Temple Jazz Orchestra. Paul has played with various groups of varied styles of music all over the world and is the founding member of The Paul White Quintet, an Austin-based contemporary jazz quintet that has performed in many different venues throughout central Texas including several annual jazz festivals and The Acoustic Mayhem a 9-piece big band featuring some of the best local musicians. Paul is currently the Baritone Saxophonist for The US Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors, located in the Washington, DC area. Paul was fortunate to travel to Mantova, Italy in 2005 to tour and record with the Mantua Jazz Trio.

Wayne Salzmann II

Wayne Salzmann II is an incredibly versatile and active drummer with nearly 20 years of experience. Born and raised in Neenah, Wisconsin, Salzmann was exposed to a wide variety of music at a young age. By the time he was sixteen years old, he was playing regular gigs, had won the DW/Zildjian drum solo competition, and was teaching drum lessons at a local music store. He was very fortunate to grow up in a school system with strong music programs, and earned a full-tuition music scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In addition to his regular studies at UWSP, Salzmann received a Student-Research Grant to travel to New York City and study with legendary drummers Bill Stewart, Joey Baron, Billy Martin, and Ari Hoenig. In 2008, Salzmann moved to Austin, Texas to pursue a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies. While in Austin, he met Grammy Winning Guitarist Eric Johnson, with whom he is currently touring and recording. Salzmann has also performed with Joe Satriani, Bobby McFerrin, Chris Potter, Jeff Coffin, Terence Blanchard, Bob Schneider, Carmen Bradford, Jeff Hellmer, Ephraim Owens, Red Young, Romero Lubambo, and Andre Mehmari. He has been featured on dozens of albums with artists such as Brazilian Guitarist/Composer Gabriel Santiago, Nashville-based Singer/Songwriter Danny Mitchell, Guitarist/Composer Tyler Ross, African Mbira master Joel Laviolette, Gospel Artist Ross Allen, and The Lights Band. He has also recorded for multiple commercial jingles, television shows and Hollywood film soundtracks. Salzmann has toured extensively throughout the United States with several different bands, and has also toured in Europe and Brazil. Notable performances include the National Wind Ensemble in Carnegie Hall, Eric Johnson “Up Close” US Tour, Amphitheater gigs supporting the Steve Miller Band, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Jazz Nos Fundos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ilhéus Municipal Theatre in Ilhéus, Brazil, SXSW International Music Festival, and Zimbabwean International Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Salzmann is known for his ability to fit into a wide variety of genres, and serve the musical styles while expressing his own unique voice from behind the drums. He also writes and arranges music for his own project called Wayne Salzmann’s Groove Society. Salzmann currently holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Jazz Studies/Percussion Performance, and is the Drum-Set Instructor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Steve Snyder

Dr. Steven Dean Snyder is an Associate Professor of Jazz Keyboard / Music Theory at Morehead (Kentucky) State University. A native Pennsylvanian, he holds Bachelors and Master Degrees in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a DMA in Piano Performance (Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Texas-Austin. His dissertation is entitled An Analysis of Interactive Improvisation Within Selected Recordings of the Bill Evans Trio Featuring Scott LaFaro and Paul Motion. He has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as well as appearing on fifteen recordings with artists such as Randy Brecker, Brannen Temple, Chris Maresh, Austin-based jazz quartet Odd Man Out, and the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band. Dr. Snyder was selected as one of 66 pianists from all over the world to compete in the Martial Solal International Jazz Piano Competition, which was held in Paris, France in October 2002.

Dan Goble

Dr. Daniel Goble brings over thirty years of experience as a performer, educator and arts administrator to the position of the Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). Over the past 16 years at WCSU in his roles as the Coordinator of Jazz Studies, Associate Chair, and Chair of the Department of Music, Dr. Goble led efforts to assure excellence in teaching, scholarship and service that have both enhanced the reputation of the university while attracting outstanding faculty, staff and students to the campus. Dr. Goble elevated the WCSU Jazz Studies Program to one of the finest of its kind in the Northeast, helped establish of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, and was instrumental in programming a new $97 million instructional and performance facility for the new school. Over the course of over thirty years in the music industry, Dr. Goble has had the honor of performing with some of the finest ensembles, musicians and conductors in the world, including the New York Philharmonic under Alan Gilbert, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin, and Lorin Maazel, the Brooklyn Philharmonic under Robert Spano, and the New York City Ballet. He recently had the honor of performing with the New York Philharmonic on their historic concert in Pyongyang, North Korea. In high demand in the contemporary classical music scene in New York City, he has performed music by such renowned composers as John Adams, Phillip Glass, Tania León, Alban Berg, Frank Zappa, Thomas Adés, and Luciano Berio and was recently featured on the Works and Process series at the Guggenheim Museum, performing the music of Paul Hindemith and Anton Webern. In addition to recently joining the New York Saxophone Quartet as their alto saxophonist, he has served as the baritone saxophonist with the Harvey Pittel Saxophone Quartet since 2001. He was the First Prize-winner at the 1993 Louise D. McMahon International Competition, and has won or placed in numerous other prestigious competitions, including, the Concert Artist Guild International Competition Ima Hogg International Young Artist Competition, the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and the annual Down Beat Magazine Student Recording Awards. On the international stage, he was a featured performer at the 2004 Thailand International Saxophone Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, and has performed recitals in Japan, China, and in Europe. Committed to recording and promoting contemporary works for the saxophone, his critically acclaimed CD Freeway, includes significant compositions by Pulitzer Prize winning composers Charles Wuorinen and John Harbison. His most recent project Mad Dances, American Music for Saxophone and Piano (Troy 1251) features the music of David Diamond, William Albright, David Del Tredici, Libby Larsen, and WCSU faculty colleague Dr. Kevin Jay Isaacs. As a jazz and commercial musician, Dr. Goble has performed at such New York City area venues as the Kitting Factory, the Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium and the Cutting Room with the Jamie Begian Band. He has performed with National Tours of Cats, 42nd Street, and Sugar Babies and has performed with luminaries as Mel Torme, Barbara Cook, Stephen Colbert, and Audra McDonald. Dr. Goble received his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and his Bachelors degrees in Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

John Vander Gheynst

Dr. John Vander Gheynst is Assistant Professor and is the Director of Jazz Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. John is a performer, composer and conductor of both classical and jazz music. As a performer, John has played with a wide variety of artists including Kenny Garrett, Mike Stern, Delfeayo Marsailis, The Temptations, Mary Wilson, My Brother’s Keeper, The Creative Opportunity Orchestra and numerous symphony orchestras. As a composer, John has been commissioned to compose a wide variety of music for groups ranging from high school jazz ensemble to professional wind ensemble. His Day Suite, originally written for the University of Texas Jazz Orchestra, won the Downbeat award for best extended work for jazz ensemble. At IUPUI, Dr. Vander Gheynst teaches jazz history, music business, jazz improvisation and jazz composition/arranging. He also directs the jazz ensembles.

Domenico Gattozzi

Domenico Gattozzi studied both piano and violin at the Cleveland Institute of Music. After moving to Austin and discovering his love for the jazz idioms, Domenico decided to pursue an education focused on perfecting these skills, and graduated from the Butler School of Music in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance with highest honors. While at the University of Texas, he studied jazz with Professor Jeff Hellmer, and classical piano with Professor David Renner and Dr. Betty Mallard. Domenico is currently a student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX, where he is completing his training to become a Medical Doctor. In spite of his busy schedule, Domenico makes time to practice every day, and performs whenever possible. His most recent musical accomplishments include a solo piano act at the 2010 “Jazz In Campo” jazz festival in Campodipietra (CB), Italy, opening for Eddie Palmieri and the Afro-Caribbean All-Stars. He is also active in his church parish, where he holds the position of music director.

Thomas Heflin

Jazz trumpeter Thomas Heflin has been hailed as "a fluent trumpeter with a bright tone and a forward-looking style" by writer Scott Yanow. He currently lives and performs in New York City where he works as Program Manager of the Precollege Division at Manhattan School of Music. In 2005, Heflin placed second in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition and has been featured or mentioned in Jazz Magazine, Cadence Magazine, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review and The International Trumpet Guild Journal. Heflin recently released his third album, “Live from Austin,” a collaboration with Ron Westray, former trombonist with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Since moving to New York, he has headlined at Small’s and is a regular soloist with the house Big Band at Smoke Jazz Club. Heflin has performed with the likes of James Williams, Lou Rawls, Vincent Herring, Donald Brown, Eric Revis, Adonis Rose, Damion Reid, Joe Sanders and Neal Caine among many others.

Russell Haight

Dr. Russell Haight is a Senior Lecturer of Jazz and Saxophone at Texas State University. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute he decided to pursue music full time. In 2004 he moved to Austin, where he completed Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Jazz Performance at The University of Texas. Skilled in performance and research, Haight earned the Eleanor Stribling Award for Excellence in Jazz Performance and the Butler School of Music Outstanding Dissertation award while at UT. He has performed throughout Canada and South America, and shared with stage with such luminaries as Shelly Berg, Tim Hagans, Carmen Bradford, André Mehmari, Taylor Hicks, Rufus Reid, and George Duke. Haight served previously as the Instructor of Jazz and Saxophone at Auburn University and an Adjunct Professor of Applied Saxophone at The University of Texas A&M–Kingsville.

Roger B. Schupp

Roger B. Schupp is Professor Percussion and Jazz Studies at Bowling Green State University’s College of Musical Arts. Dr. Schupp received his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in percussion performance and jazz studies from the University of Texas at Austin. A versatile performer in the areas of classical, jazz, and world music, Dr. Schupp has performed in a variety of ensemble including the Toledo and Austin Symphonies, the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, Toledo and Austin Jazz Orchestras. He has performed and recorded with such diverse artists and ensembles as the Royal Ballet of London, New York Voices, Bob James, Clark Terry, Terrance Blanchard, Amy Grant and the Broadway touring casts of "A Chorus Line”, “Spamalot”, and “Wicked." His playing can be heard on labels such as RCA, CBS, MCA, Sony, Naxos, Albany, and SeaBreeze among others. Roger is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society and serves on that organization’s Contest and Audition Procedures and Drumset Committees. Schupp has presented concerts, clinics, and masterclasses in over 30 states and 20 countries on 5 continents. He is an active performer and current member of the Toledo Symphony Percussion Trio, Toledo Symphony Concert Band, and Toledo Jazz Orchestra. Dr. Schupp is an artist/clinician for the Pearl Drum Company, Adams Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, and Remo Drum heads.

Ron Brown

Ron Brown’s musical career has taken him through many styles of music. His first big break came when he joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra under Mercer Ellington. From Ellington it was on to Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Anita Baker, and Whitney Houston, and more. In between these tours, there were countless sessions and television show performances with Stevie Wonder, Joe Sample, Aretha Franklin, and Al Jarreau. After years of being a sideman, Ron embarked on a solo career. His debut cd, “From My Eyes Only” was produced by Grammy nominated guitarist Doc Powell, and released on Discovery Records in 1997. With a desire to take his career to the next level, Ron established his own record label, Mankind Records. With that, he produced the critically acclaimed CD, “Urban Dreams” by the Urban Jazz Network, which featured performances by Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Kenny Garrett, and Mulgrew Miller. This cd blended the sounds of Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, and Gospel. The music of his In The Spirit project, released in 2001, truly showcases Ron’s artistry, as well as reflecting his soul, weaving seamlessly through traditional hymns with upbeat contemporary arrangements. Ron’s 2003 release, “Were You There”, continued his quest to uplift hearts and souls. “Restored” was released 2006 and the new CD is “Sweet Spirit” 2011.

Tom Tallman

Tom Tallman is Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Ensembles at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he teaches courses in music theory, aural skills and American music. He is also the leader of the jazz performance program, which includes five ensembles ranging from small jazz groups to expanded big band. In addition, he maintains an active schedule of secular and sacred musical performance in the Chicago area. He holds Masters and Doctorate degrees in trumpet performance from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. As a leader and performer, Dr. Tallman has worked with singers Joe Williams, Carmen Bradford and Kevin Mahogany; saxophonists Michael Brecker, Scott Hamilton and Phil Woods; and brass legends Carl Fontana, Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie, among many others. He has also worked behind standup comedy legends Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Phyllis Diller and Milton Berle.

Paul Ostermayer

Paul Ostermayer has had a colorful and eclectic career as a woodwind player, playing across genre lines in varied situations across the globe. He has played jazz in Romania (University of Texas Jazz Ensemble) and in Central and South America (Dick Goodwin Jazz Quintet), in Los Angeles (Blood, Sweat and Tears, Passenger) and in New York City (Robben Ford, Paul Ostermayer Quintet). He has played pop music in Africa (Christopher Cross) and in Europe and Canada (Leonard Cohen and Jennifer Warnes), also in blues clubs across the U.S. (Delbert McClinton). He has played contemporary "dance" music from Singapore to Barbados (Vali Entertainment), and contemporary classical music in the Big Apple (NY Philharmonic with Kurt Masur, Brooklyn Philharmonic with Lukas Foss, NYC Ballet Orchestra with Michael Tilson Thomas, American Saxophone Quartet). And he has shared the stage with such legends in entertainment as Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Rodney Dangerfield, Bette Midler, Mary Martin, Patti Page, Rich Little, Joel Grey, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, Ben Vereen, Cab Calloway, Doc Severinsen, Savion Glover, Nancy Wilson, Rita Moreno, Marilyn McCoo, and Queen Latifah. Paul received a Bachelors Degree in Music Theory and Composition and a Masters Degree in Saxophone Performance at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1991 he received a National Endowment for the Arts grant to study with Miles Davis’ saxophonist David Liebman, as well as studying privately in NYC with saxophonists Bob Mintzer, Joe Lovano, Bob Berg, and Al Regni. He studied flute with NY Philharmonic flutist Keith Underwood and clarinet with David Stanton. His compositions and performances have been featured on both National Public Radio’s Jazz Alive and PBS’ Austin City Limits. Other TV work includes The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Solid Gold, and The Phil Dohahue Show; a CBC documentary on Leonard Cohen, The Song of Leonard Cohen, Tap USA on French TV, Rock Pop on German TV, and Later with Jules Holland on British TV. Album credits include Leonard Cohen’s Recent Songs, Cohen Live, and Field Commander Cohen, Jennifer Warnes’ Famous Blue Raincoat, Carole King’s City Streets, Asleep at the Wheel’s Framed, Mitch Watkins’ Underneath It All, Craig Peyton’s Songs from Home, George Mitchell’s Aftermath, Suzi Stern’s Seven Stars and Inside Stories, and The Rick Wald Big Band’s Castaneda’s Dream. Paul currently is Managing Director and owner of MTM Artists, an artists management agency specializing in both classical and jazz instrumentalists, many with ties to Juilliard School in New York.

Ulrich Ellison

Guitarist Ulrich Ellison was born and raised in Graz, Austria, though his ancestral roots go back to Ireland, from where many generations ago, his family moved to Central Europe. He grew up with the music of the eighties such as Mike Oldfield, Peter Gabriel or The Police, but his parents' LP collection also featured Django Reinhard, Miles Davis and other jazz greats. At an early age he was drawn to the piano and soon was admitted to the local conservatory. " I dig musicians that imprint a certain tone." After highschool he left Graz to study at the acclaimed Vienna University of Music, exposing himself to classical music and theory. Ultimately this led to a serious interest in jazz, sparked by his teachers Harri Stojka, Alex Machacek, and later on, Karl Ratzer. His 2007' debut release "Tales From The Kingdom Electric" got much critical acclaim and is heavily influenced by the fusion rock era of the 70 ´s. It was time to make the next move. A prestigious scholarship enables him to settle in one of America's musical hot spots - Austin TX. The diversity of the local scene ranging from blues, salsa, rock, indie to singer/songwriter turns out to be the perfect playground for developing a unique personal style. "No frontiers" could be the motto of the multicultural, eclectic brew of Ellison's music. His baritone voice adds another dimension to his genre-crossing show. Backed up by Austin ´s top instrumentalists, this power trio has very few limitations, as can be witnessed by regular performances in Austin’s top club venues like Antone's, the Elephant Room, Momo's and the Saxon Pub.

Cameron "Chip" Crotts

Dr. Chip Crotts has been an on-call artist for the Disney Company and has worked and recorded throughout the US and Europe. A GRAMMY nominated musician, Chip has performed with many international artists, including Natalie Cole, Boston Brass, Ray Charles, Rhythm and Brass, Manhattan Transfer and Maynard Ferguson. As a first call player for national touring productions, Chip has played over 40 shows including Chicago, The Producers, A Chorus Line, The Color Purple, Spamalot, West Side Story and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Equally at home as a classical performer, Chip has presented numerous university recitals and masterclasses and has performed with the orchestras of North Carolina, Alabama, Huntsville, Austin, Tuscaloosa, Altoona, Abilene, and Chattanooga, among others. He can also be heard on several CD’s with the SeaBreeze label, as well as recordings with the University of Texas Wind Ensemble and UT Jazz Orchestra. As an educator, Dr. Crotts has been Director of the Alabama All-State Jazz Ensemble and has presented clinics throughout the Southeast and Texas on jazz pedagogy and development of jazz programs in the schools. He has recently written a series of jazz articles for System Blue Publications and a new book on trumpet pedagogy and playing styles is in the works. Chip has also spent time in the marching activity and has been on the brass staff of Spirit, Phantom Regiment and the Blue Devils. Chip maintains a busy schedule as clinician and adjudicator and has served as a judge for BOA, DCI, IAJE and the International Trumpet Guild. Dr. Crotts holds degrees from East Carolina University, Penn State University and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance with a Jazz Emphasis from the University of Texas-Austin. Previously, Chip has served on the faculties of Samford University and Jacksonville State University and is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Clinician.

David Caffey

David Caffey is an internationally recognized jazz educator and composer. He has won awards for musical composition from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE). He served as President of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) from 2004 to 2006. He has appeared as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor at music festivals, conferences, universities and schools throughout the United States, in Canada, and in Europe. He was inducted into the California Jazz Education Hall of Fame in 2011. Mr. Caffey has served as Director of the School of Music and Professor of Music at the University of Northern Colorado since July 2005. Previously, he was Associate Dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences and Professor of Music at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Before arriving at Cal Poly Pomona in 2001 he was a Professor of Music at California State University, Los Angeles for seventeen years, teaching courses in jazz studies and directing the CSLA Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Caffey’s work as a college professor spans more than 35 years and includes previous appointments as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Denver, Sam Houston State University, and Southern Oregon University. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Music (’72) and Master of Music (’74).

Joey Colarusso

Currently Joey Colarusso is the Coordinator of Instrumental Music at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX. He directs the SEU Jazz Ensembles and the Mariachi Ensemble in addition to teaching the music theory classes. Prior to teaching at St. Edward’s, Joey taught applied saxophone and clarinet at Prairie View A&M University. He received both his Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance and Master of Music in Jazz Studies degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Able to play across many styles and genres as a saxophonist and woodwind doubler, Joey has performed and/or recorded with numerous great local and international artists including The Nova Saxophone Quartet, Austin Symphony, Austin Lyric Opera, John Mills Times Ten, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Rogers, Natalie Cole, Dick Dale, Olivia Newton John, Julie Budd, Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli, The Temptations, Archie Bell and the Drells, W.C. Clark, Manhattan Transfer, Frank Sinatra Jr., Maureen McGovern, Tommy Tune, The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Mike Stern, Bob Brookmeyer, Eddie Daniels, Conrad Herwig, Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Danny Levin, Charlie Sexton, Bernadette Peters, Donald Sinta, Grupo Fantasma, Rick Treviño, Little Joe y la Familia, Extreme Heat, Monster Big Band, The Tony Campise Big Band, The Creative Opportunity Orchestra and The United States Air Education Training and Command Band (Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio).

Adam Booker

Dr. Adam Booker began playing bass professionally at the age of 16 in San Antonio with local jazz luminaries Small World and Ron Wilkins. In 2001 Adam enlisted in the US Navy, where he was assigned to US Navy Band New Orleans until the end of his enlistment in 2005. During his enlistment, Adam had the opportunity to delve into New Orleans' rich musical culture. He became a member of The Hot Club of New Orleans, The Rob Block Quintet, and The Devin Phillips Quintet. He has performed with a wide variety of today's modern jazz up-and-comers, including Patrick Cornelius, Davy Mooney, and Maurice Brown. Adam Booker has also shared the stage with several of jazz's great masters, including Al Grey, Frank Foster, John Fedchock, Russel Malone, Butch Miles, Ignacio Berroa, Arthur Latin, and Diana Krall, as well as pop music icon, Elvis Costello. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Adam returned to central Texas and became a staple in the Austin music scene, performing with the Kris Kimura Quartet, as well as various other groups. Dr. Booker has also had the privilege of studying with many great bassists, including Eric Revis of the Branford Marsalis Quartet and the legendary Milt Hinton, as well as members of the San Antonio Symphony, Austin Symphony and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Booker completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Double Bass Performance at the University of Texas, Austin in May of 2012. He also holds a MM in Composition and a BM in Jazz Studies from Texas State University, San Marcos. Adam currently resides in Duluth, Minnesota where he is the Assistant Professor of Applied Bass and Jazz Studies.