Jazz Orchestras

About the Artists

Michael Dease

Michael Dease is one of the world’s top trombonists, known for his versatile sound and signature improvisations. He has contributed to over 200 recordings with artists like David Sanborn, Christian McBride, Alicia Keys, and Kanye West. Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Dease started on saxophone and trumpet before switching to trombone at 17. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where he was part of the first jazz class. A four-time Downbeat Critics Poll Trombonist of the Year 2021-2024 and a three-time Grammy Award winner, Dease is highly sought-after by leading jazz orchestras and small groups alike. He has played with bands led by Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Dease is also a talented composer and arranger, constantly adapting his style to suit various musical settings. Currently, Dease is a tenured professor of jazz trombone at Michigan State University, where he was honored as Michigan’s Distinguished Professor of the Year in 2019. He founded and directs the Jazz Institute at Brevard and teaches at prestigious summer jazz programs in the U.S. and Japan. Many of his students have gone on to successful music careers. Dease is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
 

 Diego Rivera

A world-class musician, composer, arranger and educator, Diego Rivera has entertained audiences for over 20 years. Rivera is known for his muscular tone and unique blend of straight-ahead jazz fused with music inspired by his Chicano background and heritage.  Since 1999 he has performed at the most prestigious venues and festivals across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. In addition to touring with his own ensemble, Rivera has performed with The Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, and Kurt Elling. Rivera has released 5 critically-acclaimed albums as a leader for Posi-Tone records. He also has several other credits to his name as a recording artist, composer and arranger on the Mack Avenue and Detroit Music Factory Record Labels. A passionate educator Rivera has presented masterclasses at schools and universities both in the United States and abroad. Several of Professor Rivera’s former students enjoy careers as professional musicians performing with artists such as: The Christian McBride Big Band, Birdland Big Band, and The Count Basie Orchestra.

Michael Sailors

Mike Sailors is a critically acclaimed trumpeter, valve trombonist and arranger who’s toured the world appearing at the most celebrated festivals in the world including The Tokyo Blue Note Jazz Festival, The Newport Jazz Festival, The EFG London Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Detroit Jazz Festival and the Ravinia Music Festival, to name a few. Sailors has received commissions and composed/arranged for Mack Avenue Records, Decca Records, Dewey Redman, Terrell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Jimmy Cobb, Lady Gaga, Sleep No More and many other organizations, jazz greats, entertainers and Broadway shows. He is a copyist for the Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, and former copyist for The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by Arturo O’Farrill.  Sailors leads The Mike Sailors Sextet and Nonet, The Higher Calling Orchestra, co-leads The New Alchemy Jazz Orchestra, and is a member of the GRAMMY nominated Multiverse Big Band, led by Bobby Sanabria while also maintaining a highly active freelance schedule locally and nationally.

Chris Cermak

Chris Cermak is an Austin-based professional trumpet player and music educator who hails from Lake Jackson, Texas. He has performed with many world-renowned jazz artists, including Wayne Bergeron, Bobby Shew, Allen Vizzutti, Marvin Stamm, Bill Watrous, Delfeayo Marsalis, John Fedchock, Michael Dease, Paquito D'Rivera, David Sanborn, Paul Shaffer, John Pizzarelli, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Chris maintains an active performance schedule working with many groups around Texas including the Brazosport Jazz Orchestra, Christian Wiggs Big Band, and the Royal Dukes Band. He also spent time working as a show band musician for Carnival UK aboard the Queen Elizabeth and the Oriana. Chris earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas and is currently working on his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Chris is an endorsing artist for Phaeton Trumpets, and is a member of the International Trumpet Guild, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. 
 

Rachel Spencer

Rachel Spencer is proud to join the UT Jazz division as a teaching assistant while pursuing a D.M.A. in jazz trumpet performance where she will serve as the Lead TA for Jazz Appreciation and teach a Jazz Combo. Known for her stylistic prowess and expressive tone, trumpeter Rachel Spencer has had a diverse and fulfilling career. As a performer and educator, her music has afforded her many travel opportunities: She has performed at TMEA, OMEA, the Tanglewood Music Center, has toured Hong Kong as a featured performer in the Chinese New Year Parade, was a featured soloist as a touring member of the Bluecoats during their gold, silver, and bronze medal shows, and was a graduate solo division semifinalist in the 2019 National Trumpet Competition. A passionate and dedicated educator, Rachel is deeply committed to music education: She has years of experience as a band director, private lesson teacher, clinician, and serves as Education Coordinator for the Bluecoats Soundsport team, Rhythm in Blue. During her Master's at the University of Texas at Austin, she was a graduate assistant for the University Bands and the Director of the Longhorn Jazz Ensemble. She has served on faculty at the Longhorn Music Camp, Texas Jazz and Blues Camp, works Production Central at the Jazz Education Network Conference and serves as Associate Director of the New School of Music, Austin while maintaining a full private studio and clinician schedule. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Capital University, and a Master of Music in Music and Human Learning from UT Austin. During her free time she enjoys reading, exercise, and spending time with her partner.

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