Jazz Orchestras

Directors

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 Department as a TA 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 

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.

Musicians

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Upcoming Events

Alternative Improvisation Music Ensemble
Tuesday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Recital Studio

Longhorn Jazz Festival
Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.
Bates Recital Hall

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