News & Notes

World-class trombonist joins DePauw Jazz Ensemble Tuesday

Details

Sunday, April 19, 2015

By Tiger Bands

The DePauw Jazz Ensemble welcomes renowned trombonist John Fedchock to the Kresge Auditorium stage for a performance featuring the Grammy-nominated artist's original compositions Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Green Center for the Performing Arts.

Fedchock has soloed with many of the world's most prominent jazz musicians including Woody Herman, Louis Bellson, T.S. Monk and Gerry Mulligan.

A distinguished, in-demand studio musician, he has also achieved critical acclaim for his work as a producer and arranger on several recordings, including "New York Big Band" and "On The Edge."

Continue reading at Banner Graphic

Erin Johnson '03 Appointed Associate Director of Prescott Pops Symphony

Details

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

By Ken Owen

Erin M. Johnson, a music teacher for Arizona's Prescott Unified Schools and 2003 graduate of DePauw University, has been named associate director of the Prescott Pops Symphony. Johnson is a director emeritus of the Tiger Pep Band and played bassoon in the DePauw University Band.

Formed in 1992, the Prescott Pops is a non-profit organization of more than 70 professional, semi-professional, and amateur musicians. The mission of the orchestra is to provide the Prescott area with accessible music, which includes classical orchestral favorites, Broadway music, movie themes, and educational programs for adults and students.

"Johnson is the director of grades 6 through 8 middle school choirs, a guitar instructor for grades 7 and 8, and a general music teacher for grades K through 5," notes the Prescott Daily Courier.

Continue reading at depauw.edu

Saxophonist Scotty Stepp and University Band Perform Sunday

Details

Monday, March 2, 2015

By Ken Owen

Saxophone soloist Scotty Stepp will join the DePauw University Band, led by Craig Paré, in a performance of Evan Chambers’s blues-inspired Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Band this Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. in the Green Center’s Kresge Auditorium.

The ensemble will open the concert with two English masterpieces -- Philip Sparke’s Overture for Woodwinds and Ralph Vaughan William’s Toccata Marziale.  Stepp, who directs the DePauw School of Music saxophone studio, will then take the stage to perform an untraditional, but exhilarating concerto by the up-and-coming American composer Evan Chambers.

“[Stepp] owns this piece as a player in blues and jazz,” says Dr. Paré. “To step back and hear him play is always impressive, but to collaborate with him is a great challenge not only for the students, but for me as well.”

Read more at depauw.edu

Soloists Debut with Jazz Ensemble at Wednesday Concert

Details

Sunday, March 1, 2015

By Ken Owen

The DePauw Jazz Ensemble will present its first concert of the semester on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Green Center's Kresge Auditorium. The ensemble will bring an extremely varied set to the stage, mixing funk, swing and hard bop, with classic jazz tunes and less familiar works, including some great charts by Don Menza, Bob Mintzer, Paul McKee, Eric Richards, Frank Mantooth and Toshiko Akiyoshi.

The jazz ensemble swings just as hard as last semester, but with an added flair: new soloists. Saxophonists Tyler Schaefers and Aubrey Ault and trumpet player Laura Egyed will be adding their individual flavor to the group’s stylings this spring.

Read more at depauw.edu