Faculty Recital Showcases Trombonists from Cleveland Pops and Jazz Orchestras

The Ashland University Department of Music presents a faculty recital featuring Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music on trombone along with guest ensemble Le Bon Bones on Monday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

The evening's concert will present a program of trombone music culled from the 16th century to our current millenium. Selections will include Mozart's Requiem "Tuba Mirum," G. F. Handel's Dance Suite, Felix Mendelssohn's Nocturne, Pavane for a Dead Princess by Maurice Ravel, Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini, Bear Dance by Bela Bartok, Chorale from Jupiter by Gustav Holst, Prelude, Op. 34 by Dmitri Shostakovich, Afred Reed's Fanfare, Cappricio for 8 trombones by Eric Ewazen, Domine, Salva Nos by William Byrd, as well as, Body and Soul by Johnny Green and Bill Reichenbach's Back to the Fair.

The members of Le Bon Bones including Dr. Garlock are members of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, The Akron Symphony Orchestra, The Suburban Symphony and The Ashland Symphony Orchestra.

Jazz at the Nest, Oct. 11

Led by Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) will present a free public concert on Tuesday, October 11 in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagles Nest at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music at this free public concert.

The concert will feature vocalist Gracie Fumic on several Rosemary Clooney favorites selected from "Hey There", "Mambo Italiano," "Sway," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe," "You Took Advantage of Me" and "I'm Getting Married in the Morning." Other selections will include "Sebastian's Bop," "Song for Bilbao," "Central City Sketches No. 4," "Love for Sale," and "Count Bubba."

In addition to Fumic, the 2016-2017 AUJO roster includes saxophonists Michael Byndas, Josh Thompson, Derek Rangel, Jacob Garry and Jason Wolfe; Nik Psota, Alex Sandwisch, Tyler McFarland and Branden Barber on trumpet; trombonists Jaylynn Buchmelter, Hannah Drake, Frank Stanek and Cody Henderson; while the rhythm section consists of Emily Ebert and Garrett Rangel on bass, guitarist Dominic Febbo and pianist Stefan Jonsson.

Four Guest Artists Headline Jazz Festival

Ashland University’s award-winning jazz program is proud to present the 2016 Maplerock Jazz Festival slated for Friday, March 18. Along with free performances by area high school jazz ensembles in the afternoon, the event presents a main stage concert at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre.

The evening concert opens with the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock and features guest jazz artists pianist Dr. Michael Stryker, saxophonist Mike Lee, bassist Aidan Plank and guitarist Justin Haynes.

Dr. Stryker is co-leader of the jazz quintet Condition Blue. He can also be heard on Roots and Branches with the Shirantha Beddage Quartet, and regularly performs with the Todd Kelly Quintet and many other fine musicians throughout Illinois. With a D.M.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music, B.M. and M.M. in Jazz Performance from DePaul University, and a B.S. in Biology from Purdue University, Stryker is Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at Western Illinois University where he directs big bands and coaches jazz combos, teaches various jazz classes and is a member of the Dale Hopper Faculty Jazz Sextet. He is also on the faculty of the Birch Creek Summer Music Performance Center (Wisconsin).

Mike Lee has been a part of the greater New York Jazz Scene for almost 30 years. Since his early associations with Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano, through his stint with the Woody Herman Orchestra and regular gigs with The Village Vanguard Orchestra and Maria Schneider Orchestra, to his current associations with Oliver Lake's ensembles, Wallace Roney Orchestra, and Michele Rosewoman's New Yor-Uba -- Lee has a proven track record as a versatile soloist and a consummate ensemble musician. As a leader, he fronted the renowned Cecil's Big Band and co-leads the ground breaking quartet New Tricks. He performs with his trios regularly at his weekly Hat City Kitchen Jam Session as well as Trumpet's Jazz Club and other venues.

Aidan Plank has performed in a wide range of musical genres with many musicians from pop legends Frankie Avalon and Chubby Checker, to classical ensembles such as The Case Baroque Orchestra and The Oberlin Opera, and with contemporary jazz artists Bobby Selvaggio and Dominic Ferannaci along with many others. Aidan has performed at Carnegie Hall, Severence Hall, The Knitting Factory, The House of Blues, The Beachland Ballroom, The Bop Stop, Blossom Music Festival, and other venues throughout the country. He can presently be heard in duo performances with guitarist Daniel Lippel and as the bassist for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra's 2015-2016 season.

Justin Haynes has been recognized as an outstanding soloist and composer at the University of North Texas Jazz Festival, the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival, the University of Louisville Jazz Festival, and the Western Illinois University Jazz Festival. One of his charts, “I’ve Gone Crazy,” was debuted at the Rootabaga Jazz Festival featuring Greg Osby on alto saxophone. As an educator, Justin is a member of the Knox College Music Department faculty where he teaches jazz saxophone, jazz guitar, jazz bass and basic improvisation skills. Justin also directs the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival Alumni Band every spring.

The Jazz Festival's afternoon performances begin at 1 p.m. with the Wellington High School Jazz Band followed at 1:30 p.m. with the Ashland High School Jazz Band B, the Rittman High School Jazz Band at 2 p.m., the Galion High School Jazz Band at 2:30 p.m. and the Ashland High School Jazz Band A presents the final high school performance at 3 p.m.

The afternoon performances are free and open to the public while tickets for the evening concert are available through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online (additional fees apply) at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Tickets for the evening concert are $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, non-Ashland University students and Ashland University faculty and staff; and free for Ashland University students.

Free Jazz at the Nest This Tuesday

Dr. Scott Garlock will conduct the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra for their final concert of the year at the Eagles Nest in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music of AUJO at the Nest.

Members of the AU Jazz Orchestra include vocalist Fatima Imani Smith: saxophonists Michael Byndas, Jason Wolf, Derek Rangel, Jessie Barnhouse and Shayne Smith. The brass section includes trombonists Jaylynn Buchmelter, Frank Stanek and Chadwick Applegate along with Hannah Phillips, Alex Sandwisch, Nick Psota and Tyler McFarland on trumpet. The rhythm section is comprised of DR Haught, guitar; Ben Bushong, bass; and Dan Shade, drums.

Full Slate of Recitals Announced for March

The Department of Music at Ashland University announces numerous recitals in March including a guest artist woodwind quintet, a faculty trombonist joined by several guest performers, and two junior recitals featuring voice, piano and trumpet students. All of the recitals are free and open to the public and are held in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts. 

On Sunday, March 15  at 7:30 p.m., instrumental music education majors Rachel Crow, piano, (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) and Hannah Phillips (Plymouth, Ohio), trumpet, present their junior recital including selections from Handel to Gershwin. Pianist Susan Gregg is the accompanist for the recital. Rachel studies privately with Susan Schoeffler, and Hannah studies with Gary Davis.

The next evening, Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Solaris woodwind quintet will perform a guest artist recital with bass clarinetist Dr. Thomas Reed, Ashland University Professor of Music. The program of new and standard works will include Chorale and Fantasy by the late Columbus composer Mark Flugge, a new work written in 2014 by Akron composer Nikola Resanovic, the masterpiece Mladi by Janacek, and the lovely Romantic Suite, Op. 57 by LeFebvre. Since its formation in 1976 as ensemble in residence at the University of Akron, Solaris has established a reputation as one of the foremost woodwind quintets in the United States. In addition to their regular concert series at the University of Akron, Solaris has toured Italy, Brazil, Sweden and the United States.

On Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. (Note the date and time change from previous publications), Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, will present a faculty recital on trombone with several guest performers including pianists Emily Garlock and Susan Gregg; fellow trombonists Paul Ferguson, Chris Simmons, Chadwick Applegate and Jaylynn Buchmelter; Don Roger Haught on guitar; Ben Schnell, bass; and Dan Shade, drums. The program will include Benedetto Marcello's Sonata in A minor, Launy Grondahl's Concert pour Trombone et Piano and Sonata Breve for Bass Trombone by Walter Hartley along with Garlock's arrangement "Songs from Liz's Juries" based on Bela Bartok's "Bear Dance," and Paul Ferguson's arrangement of Henry Purcell's Sonata no. 11. The program will conclude with Antonin Dvorak's Three Slavonic Dances and Michael Davis' "Blue on Green." 

The final recital in March presents vocalists Fatima Imani Smith (Copley, Ohio), soprano, and Deric Dove (Newark, Ohio), baritone, as they perform their junior recital on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.. Both study privately with Stephanie Sikora with Fatima pursuing a degree in music performance and Deric studying music education. They will be assisted by pianist Deb Logan and percussionist Maria Cardonay.

JAZZ PIANIST BENNY GREEN HEADLINES 2015 MAPLEROCK JAZZ FESTIVAL

Ashland University’s award-winning Jazz program is proud to present the 2015 Maplerock Jazz Festival slated for Friday, March 20. Along with free performances by area high school jazz ensembles in the afternoon, the event presents a main stage concert at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. The evening concert opens with the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock and features Jazz pianist Benny Green as the headlining guest artist along with Ashland High School alumnus Michael Stewart on trumpet; Dave Sterner, alto saxophone; and Jeff Bush, trombone. 

The afternoon performances are free and open to the public while tickets for the evening concert are available through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online (additional fees apply) at www.ashland.edu/tickets.  Tickets for the evening concert are $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, non-Ashland University students and Ashland University faculty and staff; and free for Ashland University students.

Masterful pianist Benny Green possesses the history of jazz at his fingertips. Combine mastery of keyboard technique with decades of real world experience playing with no one less than the most celebrated artists of the last half century, and it's no wonder Green has been hailed as perhaps the most exciting hard-swinging, hard-bop pianist to ever emerge from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. 

Born in New York in 1963, Benny Green grew up in Berkeley, California, and began classical piano studies at the age of seven. Influenced by his father, a tenor saxophonist, his attention soon turned to Jazz: “I began trying to improvise on the piano, imitating the records I'd been hearing from my father's collection, which included a lot of Monk and Bird… it was a gradual process of teaching myself”.

Benny never looked back and never stopped learning as his blossoming talents, supported by mentors such as Walter Bishop, Jr. and others, plus his love for the music propelled him to the upper strata of jazz luminaries.  Benny’s list of credits, accomplishments, and accolades could literally fill a book. His recordings with the masters form a foundation of jazz education. He began his touring life with Betty Carter for four years, was the first recipient of the City of Toronto's Glen Gould International Protégé Prize in Music, and has appeared on well over one hundred recordings with legacy artists such as Betty Carter, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Watson, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall and Ray Brown.

Also joining Maplerock as a guest artist and returning to his hometown is trumpeter, arranger and composer Michael Stewart. With an active teaching studio and performing career in the Chicago area, Michael currently plays lead trumpet with the Gold Coast Orchestra, the Chicago Grandstand Big Band, the Dana Legg Jazz Band, the Grand Avenue Big Band and is a freelance classical soloist. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts degree in Trumpet Performance from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Akron (OH). Although he primarily writes for jazz ensembles from 7 to 17 players and various brass ensembles, his compositions also cover a far reaching range of styles and genres.

Saxophonist Dave Sterner is a traditional jazz musician with a bent for mixing swing, funk and the blues into his sound. Spending his entire career in the Mid-West, Sterner earned his degree in music from Indiana University and early on played with funk and R&B bands. Returning to his home town of Cleveland, he has performed with Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr., The Manhattan Transfer, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Jazz Heritage Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-star Big Band to name a few. In addition to teaching for the Cuyahoga Community College jazz program, Mr. Sterner conducts the Lakeland Community College Civic Jazz Orchestra and co-directs the Lakeland Jazz Festival.

Pennsylvania native Jeff Bush began studying music at the age of four on an unlikely instrument, the banjo. He followed with the piano and then discovered the trombone which has become a lifelong pursuit. Working as a professional musician while still a college student, Bush performed with The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and toured with The Glenn Miller Orchestra. In his final year of undergraduate study, Bush became linked to one of his musical heroes, receiving the Frank Rosolino Memorial Scholarship. The award featured Bush at the 1999 International Trombone Festival and allowed him to study in Berlin, Germany with acclaimed trombonist, Jiggs Whigham. In 2000 Jeff moved to New York City to begin a Master's degree at The Manhattan School of Music and to pursue a freelance career which continues to flourish today.  Bush is honored to have performed with a number of great jazz artists including The Count Basie Orchestra, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut and Anthony Braxton. Jeff has also been a featured soloist and substitute conductor for The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and joined the big band of superstar Harry Connick Jr. in February 2007 and stayed with the group through early 2009. 

Winter Festival Jazz Concert Presents Holiday and Big Band Favorites

The award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) will be hosting a free Winter Festival concert in Hugo Young Theatre on Monday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Dr. Scott Garlock, professor of music, the concert will feature three sets of music including pre-concert music performed by Dr. Garlock's student jazz combo, a set of Christmas music for big band performed by AUJO, and closing with the Jazz Orchestra performing big band music in several styles.

The Jazz Orchestra’s first set will include holiday favorites such as “The First Noel,” “Coventry Carol," "Baby It's Cold Outside,” and "Jingle Bells." AUJO’s final portion  of the concert features Al Horney's "Hipper By the Dozen," Mark Taylor's arrangement of Jorge Ben's "Mas Que Nada," Wyche and Watts' "Alright, Okay, You Win," followed by Myles Collins' arrangements of "Belly Roll" and "Avenue C."

The student jazz combo providing pre-concert music is comprised of Joel Paige, Frank Stanek, Steve Matis and Deric Dove.

Members of the AUJO include saxophonists Michael Byndas, Jason Wolf, Derek Rangel, Steve Matis, Jessie Barnhouse and Shayne Smith; while the brass section includes guest Dave Banks, Hannah Phillips, Alex Sandwisch, Nick Psota and Tyler McFarland on trumpet, and Jaylynn Buchmelter, Frank Stanek, Eileen Navratil and Chadwick Applegate on trombone. The rhythm section is comprised of Dan Shade on drums, Ben Bushong on bass and D. R. Haught on guitar.

AUJO Presents Concert with College of Wooster Jazz Ensemble

Led by Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) will present a joint concert with the College of Wooster Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday, October 14 in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagles Nest at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music at this free public concert. Both ensembles are comprised of 18 musicians each including sections of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm and vocalists.    

The AU Jazz Orchestra's portion of the program will include pieces selected from Quincy Jones' "Belly Roll," "Back Bone" by Thad Jones, "Cellar Dwellar" by John Fedchock, "The Count Is In" by Jim Martin, Mark Taylor's arrangement of "Chega de Saudade," "I've Found a New Baby" arranged by Gordon Goodwin, "Nostalgia in Times Square" arranged by Ronnie Cuber, Mike Tomaro's "Pump It Up," and "Superior Attitude" by Michael Pagán.    

The Wooster Jazz Ensemble will perform pieces selected from Tom Reed's translation of B. B. King's "Caught a Touch of Your Love," Jim Martin's arrangement of "Dear Old Stockholm," "Ev'ry Day I Got the Blues" arranged by Frank Foster, "Mambo de Memo" by Matt Harris, and Sammy Nestico's arrangement of "Sweet Georgia Brown" along with others.  

Members of the AUJO include saxophonists Michael Byndas, Jason Wolf, Derek Rangel, Steve Matis, Jessie Barnhouse and Shayne Smith; while the brass section includes guest Dave Banks, Hannah Phillips, Alex Sandwisch, Nick Psota and Tyler McFarland on trumpet, and Jaylynn Buchmelter, Frank Stanek, Eileen Navratil and Chadwick Applegate on trombone. The rhythm section is comprised of Dan Shade on drums, Ben Bushong on bass and D. R. Haught on guitar.  

The Wooster Jazz Ensemble's saxophone section includes Ransom Patterson, Nick Penfound, Jack Eyre, Richie Blough, Salena Stewart and Josh Foerst.  In the brass section, Jake Boca, Nathan Gimble, Brad Zillig and Andy Bartelheim play trumpet; while trombones include Thea Kwan, Chris Blaikie, Peter Gooch and Matthew Germaine.  On rhythm, Sam Corman Penzel plays drums, Acadia Braxton-Barto is on bass, and Alex Chabraja on piano.

LARGE VARIETY OF INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES PERFORM ON TUESDAY

The Department of Music at Ashland University is presenting two student ensembles recitals on Tuesday, April 29.  Both of the concerts are free and open to the public and are held in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts (formerly known as the Arts & Humanities Building). 

The first recital begins at 7 p.m. and is comprised of the string ensemble instructed by Jane Reed, brass ensemble led by Michael Metcalf, a sax quartet taught by Thomas Reed, and Jeff Neitzke instructing the percussion ensemble.  

At 8:30 p.m., the recital features a flute duo instructed by Lindsey Goodman, a low brass ensemble taught by Scott Garlock, and jazz combos directed by Garlock and Neitzke.

AUJO PRESENTS JAZZ AT THE NEST, APR. 22

Led by Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra will perform a wide variety of selections at a free public concert on Tuesday, April 22 in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagles Nest at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music of AUJO at the Nest.

Pieces in the program include Bob Florence’s Be Bop Charlie,Benny Carter’s Miss Missouri and Jackson County Jubilee, and Matt Wilson’s 25 Years of Rootabagas. Other possible tunes include Fascinating Rhythm, Willow Weep for Me, and Deedles’ Blues.

MATT WILSON QUARTET HEADLINES JAZZ FESTIVAL

Ashland University’s award-winning Jazz program is proud to present the 2014 Maplerock Jazz Festival slated for Friday, March 21. Along with free performances by area high school jazz ensembles in the afternoon, the event presents a main stage concert at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre featuring the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock, and the Matt Wilson Quartet as guest artist.

The afternoon performances are free and open to the public while tickets for the evening concert are available through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online (additional fees apply) at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Comprised of New York based drummer and Grammy nominee Matt Wilson, bassist Chris Lightcap, Jeff Lederer on tenor saxophone and clarinet, and Kirk Knuffke on cornet, the Matt Wilson Quartet was formed in 1996.  As the quartet’s founder, Wilson is one of today's most celebrated jazz artists. He is universally recognized for his musical and melodic drumming style as well as being a gifted composer, bandleader, producer, and teaching artist. His positive energy, sense of humor and ability to explore a broad range of musical settings keeps him in constant demand. In addition, Wilson’s dedication to jazz has helped establish him as a beloved world ambassador for the music, on and off the bandstand.   

Wilson has performed with many music legends including Herbie Hancock, Elvis Costello, and Wynton Marsalis, and he has appeared on 250 CDs as a sideman and has released 9 as a leader for Palmetto Records as well as co-leading 5 additional releases.  Matt performed at the White House as part of an all-star jazz group for a State Dinner concert hosted by President Obama. He was named the artist in residence at the Litchfield Jazz Festival where he conducted a much-heralded public interview with Dave Brubeck. In 2010, Wilson conducted over 250 outreach programs promoting jazz including an acclaimed Jazz for Young Peoples concert at Lincoln Center.

In November 2009, Matt was featured on the covers of both Downbeat and JazzTimes magazines and was voted #1 Rising Star Drummer in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll for 5 consecutive years. The readers of JazzTimes recently chose him as one of the top 4 drummers in the 2010 Readers Poll. In 2003, he was voted Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.

The high school and middle school performance schedule in Hugo Young Theatre is as follows:
1:00 p.m.         Ashland Middle School
1:30 p.m.         Wellington High School
2:00 p.m.         Ashland High School Jazz Band B
2:30 p.m.         Rittman High School
3:00 p.m.         Ashland High School Jazz Band A
3:30 p.m.         Orrville High School

Tickets for the evening concert are $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, non-Ashland University students and Ashland University faculty and staff; and free for Ashland University students.

GARLOCK & FRIENDS TO PERFORM FAMOUS "JAY & KAI" ALBUM

The Department of Music at Ashland University presents a different kind of faculty recital featuring Dr. Scott Garlock and his friends as they perform the famous 1957 album "Jay and Kai" on Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public. 

For this unique concert, trombonist Dr. Garlock will be accompanied by Paul Ferguson, trombone, Timothy Powell, bass, Steven Brown, piano and Darren Allen, drums to perform the pieces from the original "Jay and Kai" album which featured JJ Johnson and Kai Winding on trombone with Dick Katz, Shadow Wilson and Milt Hinton as their rhythm section.  Ferguson, Garlock and Allen will also perform a trombone duet with drums entitled "747".  

As Professor of Music and Assistant Director of Bands at Ashland University, Dr. Garlock conducts the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra, combos and teaches the low brass studio. As a performer, Scott (a Jupiter Wind artist) has been featured with Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Diane Schuur, Carl Fontana, Paquito D'Rivera, Louie Bellson and others in addition to recording over 100 commercials and albums, including the Surprise of Being with Joe Lovano. He is a member of The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.  

Paul Ferguson is an award-winning composer/arranger who is the associate director of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and runs the jazz program at Case Western Reserve.  Tim Powell is on the faculty of the University of Akron and is the first call bass player for shows at Playhouse Square. Darren Allen is the drummer in the Dan Zola Orchestra and is the band director at Bay High School. Ashland University's Steve Brown is the director of graduate studies in Education and performs in many groups in the North Central Ohio region.

TUBACHRISTMAS RETURNS TO HUGO YOUNG THEATRE

After a one year absence due to a faculty study leave, the local holiday favorite TubaChristmas returns to Ashland University's Hugo Young Theatre on Saturday, December 7 at noon.  The concert is free and open to the public and invites area tuba, euphonium and baritone players to perform.  Musician registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a rehearsal at 10:20 a.m.  

TubaChristmas is an idea conceived by Harvey Phillips, Professor of Tuba at Indiana University. Mr. Phillips wanted to demonstrate to the public what a beautiful sound a mass ensemble of tubas and euphoniums could make and to provide an opportunity for fellow low brass players to celebrate the season with the community. TubaChristmas is dedicated to the memory of Mr. William J. Bell.  It’s a fun, holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy.

The registration fee for participating musicians is $10.00 and includes a 2013 TubaChristmas button.  The TubaChristmas carol book is also available for $10.00. Musicians are asked to bring their own folding stand. 

For more information, contact Professor of Music Dr. Scott Garlock at 419.289.5134 or sgarlock@ashland.edu, or visit www.ashland.edu/music and facebook.com/AshlandUniversityMusic.

AUJO PRESENTS FIRST WINTER FESTIVAL CONCERT

The award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) will be hosting a free Winter Festival concert in Hugo Young Theater on Monday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Dr. Scott Garlock, the concert will feature three sets of music including a set of Christmas music for big band performed by AUJO, a few selections by Dr. Garlock's student jazz combo, and closing with  the Jazz Orchestra  performing big band music in several styles.

The Jazz Orchestra’s first set will include holiday favorites such as “Auld Lang Syne,” “Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” and a “Here Comes Santa Claus “ medley.  The student jazz combo’s program includes  “All of Me” arranged by Dick Lieb, “Speak Low” arranged by Roger Holmes and Herbie Hancock’s “Canteloupe Island.”  AUJO’s final portion  of the concert features Mike Tomaro’s  arrangement of Dizzie Gillespie’s “Birk’s Work,” “The Chicken” arranged by Kris Berg, and Frank Mantooth’s arrangement of “Centerpiece.”

JAZZ AT THE NEST, TUESDAY, OCT. 15

Led by Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra will perform a wide variety of selections at a free public concert on Tuesday, October 15 in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagles Nest at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music of AUJO at the Nest. 

Pieces in the program include Alan Menken's Beauty and the Beast, George Gershwin's Fascinating Rhythm, and several arrangements by Tom Reed of classic jazz tunes from George Gershwin, B.B. King, Duke Ellington and Ray Charles. Other possible tunes include Jersey Bounce, Just a Closer Walk, Lullaby of Birdland, Moten Swing and Stompin' at the Savoy.

Members of the AU Jazz Orchestra include vocalist Katie Mounts, saxophonists Michael Byndas, Jason Wolf, Steve Matis, Jessie Barnhouse, Shayne Smith, Mandi Hall and Joel Paige. The brass section includes trombonists Jaylynn Buchmelter, William McDonald, Fatima Imani Smith, Rachel Crow, Eileen Navratil, Chadwick Applegate; tubist Ben Bushong; along with Andy Bartelheim, Matt Saunier, Alex Sandwisch, Hannah Phillips and Eileen Navratil on trumpet. The rhythm section consists of Steve Morsher, drums; DR Haught, guitar; and Ben Schnell, bass.

JAZZ AT THE NEST

Under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock, the Award-Winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra performs their final concert of the year at the festive Eagle's Nest on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.  Grab a snack and beverage, sit back and enjoy some great Jazz tunes in a relaxed atmostphere. Free & Open to the Public.

MUSIC FACULTY SHOWCASE TALENTS AT CHAMBER RECITAL

Directed by Arie Lipsky, several faculty members from the Ashland University Department of Music combine and showcase their talents with Lipsky for a chamber ensemble recital on Sunday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital. The performance is free and open to the public.

The program begins with William Bergsma's "Four All" featuring Lipsky on cello; Thomas Reed, clarinet; Scott Garlock, trombone; and Jeff Neitzke, percussion followed by Arthur Honegger's "Trois Contrepoints" performed by Lipsky; Jane Berkner on piccolo; Jane Reed, violin; Andria Hoy, oboe and English horn. Flutist Jane Berkner and Jeff Neitzke on marimba perform Gareth Farr's "Kembang Suling" in three movements followed by Astor Piazzolla's "Primavera Portena" with clarinetist Thomas Reed, Lipksy on cello, and pianist Pavlina Draganova. After a brief intermission, the recital concludes with Jean Francaix's "Octuor" conducted by Lipsky and performed by violinists Michelle Abraham and Jane Reed; Jim Froelich, viola; Miles Richardson, cello; Dave Lenigan, bass; Thomas Reed, clarinet; Ian Hoy, bassoon and Mike Metcalf, horn.

Known in the Ashland area as the music director and conductor for the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Arie Lipsky is a native of Haifa, Israel, where he received extensive training as a cellist and flutist. He holds degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Music which he received before serving in the Israeli armed forces as a tank commander. After moving to the United States, Arie served as Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra and graduated from there with distinction. During this period he also assumed conducting responsibilities with the Ohio Light Opera. He moved to Buffalo, New York in 1984 to become the Philharmonic's principal cellist and, in 1990, also became the Resident Conductor, a position he held for twelve years. Maestro Lipsky is currently in his seventeenth season as Music Director and Conductor of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and also in his thirteenth season as Music Director and Conductor of the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Symphony.

FRIDAY'S MAPLEROCK JAZZ FESTIVAL FEATURING VAUGHN WIESTER'S FAMOUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Ashland University’s award-winning Jazz program is proud to present the 2013 Maplerock Jazz Festival slated for Friday, March 22.  Along with free performances by area high school jazz ensembles in the afternoon, the event presents a main stage concert at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre featuring VAUGHN WIESTER'S FAMOUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA as guest artist.  The afternoon performances are free and open to the public while tickets for the evening concert are available through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online (additional fees apply) at www.ashland.edu/tickets. 

Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra takes its place as one of the recent "Young Blood" big bands on the scene, and boasts a roster of some of the brightest and best players offered. Sporting a 12-piece brass section including french horns and tuba, the orchestra's repertoire is selected from the post-bop libraries of Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and others.  Members of the 21-piece orchestra have played with orchestras of Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo, Woody Herman, Mel Lewis, Tommy Dorsey, Ralph Marterie and Buddy Rich.  

Vaughn Wiester, director, brings a lifetime of experience to his performances.  As a former university jazz instructor, a jazz arranger, and former trombonist with the Woody Herman Orchestra, his passion is to study the music of great composers and arrangers, and to present that music at every opportunity.  After a hitch as a navy trombonist, Vaughn Wiester came to Columbus in 1968 to attend The Ohio State University and to join the Dave Workman Blues Band.  In 1972 he became a member of the Jazz Arts Group led by Ray Eubanks, and was invited to join the Woody Herman orchestra in 1974.  After two years on the road with Herman, Vaughn returned to Columbus to accept a position at the Dave Wheeler Contemporary Music Workshop and to resume his activities with the Jazz Arts Group as a bass trombonist and arranger.  In 1977, Wiester was invited to join the faculty at Capital University as part of their pioneering Jazz Studies degree program.  Wiester's arrangements can be heard on recordings by Woody Herman, Waldo's Ragtime Orchestra, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and the Keith Henson Octet. 

The Jazz Festival's afternoon performance schedule is as follows:

11:30 a.m. Ashland Middle School 

12:00 p.m. Wellington High School 

12:30 p.m. Lakewood High School Monday Band 

1:00 p.m.   Ashland High School Jazz Band A  

1:30 p.m.   Lakewood High School Tuesday Band
2:00 p.m.   Ashland Jazz Band B  
2:30 p.m.   Rittman High School  
3:00 p.m.   Orrville High School 

In honor of Ashland University Professor of Music Dr. Scott Garlock's tenth year directing the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra, the evening concert begins with several selections performed by the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra  and AUJO alumni.   Immediately following, Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra will headline the evening concert. 

Tickets for the evening concert are $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, non-Ashland University students and Ashland University faculty and staff; and free for Ashland University students.

FACULTY PERFORM WITH "ANYTHING GOES" NATIONAL TOUR

Department of Music faculty members Thomas Reed and Scott Garlock performed in the orchestra at PlayhouseSquare in Cleveland this past October for the launch of the Anything Goes National Tour.  With Jay Alger as conductor and starring Rachel York as Reno Sweeney, the Cleveland performances included Reed on flute, clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones while Garlock played trombone.



Reed and Garlock pose with Rachel York.

Reed and Garlock are pictured here with lead actress Rachel York  who is best known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in City of Angels, Les Misérables, Victor/Victoria (Drama Desk Award), The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sly Fox, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She also turned heads on television with her courageous portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie, “Lucy.”

Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, this revival of Anything Goes ran for 521 performances on Broadway and nabbed three Tonys, including best-actress, best choreography and the coveted award for best revival of a musical for the Roundabout Theatre Company.

Following its opening in Cleveland, Anything Goes will cruise into more than 25 other cities during the 2012-2013 season.

JAZZ AT THE NEST, TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 7:30 PM

The award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra will perform a wide variety of selections at a free public concert on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagles Nest.

Led by Ashland University Associate Professor of Music Dr. Scott Garlock, the program will be selected from pieces including Bob Washut's "Leap of Faith," Matt Harris' "Mambo de Memo," Bobby Timmons "Dat Dere," Thad Jones' "Big Dipper" and Mike Tomaro's "Pump It Up." Piano soloist Jon Barko will be featured on Bob Curnow's "Promise of Dreams" while vocalist Katie Vargo sings B.B. King's "Caught a Touch of Your Love," and Bob Curnow's arrangement of "I'll be Seeing You." Dr. Garlock will be featured on trombone for Frank Mantooth's arrangement of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most."