Music Institute of Chicago launches Jazz Studies Program

Core curriculum to include private instruction, combos, jazz musicianship, improvisation, and more

 

“The new Jazz Studies program adds an exciting new dimension to an already outstanding program at MIC,” said Morrison. “Our goal is to provide students of all ages and abilities with a knowledge, appreciation, and passion for jazz. We will give our students individual attention as they develop greater creativity, self-expression, and confidence through learning to improvise. We also plan to expand MIC’s role in the community to include jazz events of all types.”

The ceremonial kick-off for the Jazz Studies Program takes place Saturday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, with a concert by the internationally renowned Marcus Roberts Trio.

• Ernie Adams, jazz drums and Latin percussion, has toured with Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie, and many other jazz legends. He is currently on percussion faculty at University of Illinois at Chicago and the Ravinia Jazz Mentors. 
• Art Davis, trumpet, has toured with Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and others. He is a member of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and the Red Rose Ragtime Band. He is a professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University.
• Victor Garcia, trumpet, has performed with Rufus Reid, Steve Turre, Harriet Bluiett, and Brian Lynch. He is founder and co-leader of the Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble. He currently is on faculty at Loyola University.
• Jeremy Kahn, piano, has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, and many others. He is a graduate of New England Conservatory of Music. He is a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and pianist/conductor of Hot Mikado at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace
• Pat Mallinger, saxophone, has performed with Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Harry Connick, Ramsey Lewis, and many others. He is co-leader of the Sabertooth Quartet and a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Bobby Lewis Quintet, the Pat Mallinger Quartet, and others. He is a faculty member of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors.
• Stewart Miller, bass, has recorded with Judy Roberts, Orbert Davis, Russ Philips, and others. He is a member of Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and is on jazz faculty at University of Illinois at Chicago.
• Audrey Morrison, program director and jazz trombone, is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. She serves on the faculties of Columbia College Chicago, the Ravinia Festival, North Park University, and the Birch Creek Summer Jazz Academy. Morrison has toured and recorded with the Barrett Deems Big Band, the DIVA big band, and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.