Jazz Studies
The Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of the jazz tradition. A thorough curriculum of jazz courses is designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities. Courses offered include four levels of jazz theory and improvisation, jazz history, jazz pedagogy, and special topics independent study. A robust Jazz Studies Minor and a Jazz Studies Undergraduate Certificate are also available for those students seeking applied individual study and additional challenging scholarly activities.
The program includes performance opportunities in the Schwob Jazz Orchestra and several
small jazz combos. Ensembles from the program have been featured in performance at
events honoring First Lady Rosalynn Carter, President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura
Bush, Mercedes Ellington, Steve Wozniak, Tom Brokaw, Peyton Manning, Octavia Spencer,
Ann Reinking, and Gabrielle Giffords.
Recent alumni from the program have gone on to win professional posts with organizations across the world, including the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra (U.S., Canada, Japan), the Holland America Line B.B. King All-Star Band (Australia, New Zealand), Azamara Club Cruises (Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Turkey), the Marine Corps Band (Japan, California), the Army Infantry Band (Kansas), and the Navy Fleet Band (Italy, Washington).
Please contact Dr. Jordan Vanhemert, the Director of Jazz Studies at the Schwob School of Music, for more information about Jazz Studies at CSU.
Dr. Jordan Vanhemert - Director of Jazz Studies; Director, Schwob Jazz Orchestra
Dr. Paul Vaillancourt - Jazz Drum Set/Vibes
Mr. Ben Weatherford - Jazz Guitar
Dr. Patricia Weitzel - Jazz Bass
Mr. Bryan Canonigo - Jazz Graduate Assistant
Schwob Jazz Orchestra
The Schwob Jazz Orchestra (SJO) is the flagship large ensemble of the Jazz Studies Program at the Schwob School of Music. Under the direction of Dr. Jordan VanHemert, this 18-piece big band is focused on presenting the best in classic and modern big band music. The band can be heard throughout the Southeast performing historically significant works from the libraries Thad Jones, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, and Duke Ellington.
The SJO is also committed to performing music from the new masters of jazz composition and seeks to propel rising writers through commissions. In Spring 2017, the SJO presented the world-premiere of Kings Of Sleep by cutting-edge jazz composer and electronic musician Tyler Gilmore. Gilmore was recently featured at the 2016 Valencia International Performance Academy Festival in Valencia, Spain and previously was the winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer‘s Award in 2008, 2009, and 2010. In January 2018, the Schwob Jazz Orchestra performed as the featured college jazz ensemble at the Georgia Music Educators Conference Annual In-Service Conference in Athens, Georgia where they premiered Meet Me Down To Ma‘s Place by renowned jazz composer Erik Applegate. The new work was written in tribute to the "Mother of the Blues", classic blues icon and Columbus native Ma Rainey.
Jazz Combos
The Schwob Jazz Studies Program hosts 2 small jazz ensembles (combos) that offer jazz students the opportunity to focus on the art of improvisation in a chamber environment. The groups feature varied instrumentation but typically include several horn players and a rhythm section. In addition to practicing jazz improvisation in a performing laboratory setting, members are expected to contribute to the group‘s performed repertoire by writing original compositions and arrangements. An audition is required for entry into small jazz ensembles.
For more information about the CSU Jazz Ensembles, please contact Dr. Jordan Vanhemert at vanhemert_jordan@columbusstate.edu.
Schwob Jazz Orchestra: March 2, 2017
Media Release
February 17, 2017
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
Schwob Jazz Orchestra Performs World Premiere Jazz Composition
(Columbus, Georgia) The Schwob Jazz Orchestra (SJO), the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its third concert of the season and will perform the newly-commissioned world premiere of Kings of Sleep by rising New York composer Tyler Gilmore. The concert will be held at 7:30pm, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts (900 Broadway) on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University. Admission is free for the general public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary. More information is available at 706-649-7277 or at Jazz Studies.
The Schwob Jazz Orchestra (SJO) is a 19-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in classic and modern big band music. The world premiere of Tyler Gilmore's Kings of Sleep marks an exciting step forward for the band as Gilmore's work was commissioned and composed specifically for the talents of the Schwob Jazz Orchestra. Gilmore, a cutting-edge jazz composer and electronic musician based in New York City, was recently featured at the 2016 Valencia International Performance Academy Festival in Valencia, Spain and previously was the winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer's Award in 2008, 2009, and 2010. His music has been reviewed in DownBeat Magazine and performed internationally by noted groups, including Jon Faddis's Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Bobby Watson and The UMKC Concert Jazz Ensemble, The University of Northern Colorado Jazz Band I, and The Henry Mancini Institute Overture Orchestra.
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music. The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities.
The next performance from Columbus State University Jazz Studies will feature the Schwob Jazz Orchestra Live at The Loft on April 14, 2017.
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Schwob Jazz Orchestra: October 6, 2016
Media Release
September 22, 2016
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
Dedicated to Vander: The Schwob Jazz Orchestra Pays Tribute to Celebrated Columbus
Jazz Musician Paul J. Vander Gheynst
(Columbus, Georgia) The Schwob Jazz Orchestra, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its first concert of the season in tribute to former director Paul J. Vander Gheynst and in recognition of the newly established Paul J. Vander Gheynst Scholarship Endowment for Jazz Studies. The concert will be held at 7:30pm, Thursday, October 6, 2016, in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts (900 Broadway) on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University. Admission is free for the general public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary. More information is available at 706-649-7277 or at Jazz Studies.
The Schwob Jazz Orchestra (SJO) is a 19-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in classic and modern big band music. For this concert, the band will present a musical tribute to the Dr. Paul J. Vander Gheynst, the renowned founder of CSU Jazz and Director of the CSU Jazz Band for over 30 years. To remember Vander, as he was called by his students, the band will perform selections from and inspired by his personal library, including Stompin' At The Savoy as arranged by Bill Holman, Fingers from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and Machito of the Stan Kenton library. To highlight the trombone, Vander's instrument of choice, the SJO will play Johnny Richards bass trombone feature on Stella by Starlight, Benny Carter's up-tempo The Swizzle, and Vander Gheynst's original work, Three Pieces for Trumpet, Trombone, and Jazz Ensemble.
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music. The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities. The next performance from Columbus State University Jazz Studies will feature the Schwob Jazz Orchestra at the Fletcher Henderson Jazz Festival on Saturday, October 8 at 5:45 PM in Cuthbert, Georgia.
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Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: November 6, 2015
Media Release
October 23, 2015
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble to Celebrate 5 Years of Live Jazz at The Loft
Music Hall
(Columbus, Georgia) The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its third
annual "Uptown Jazz" show featuring two exciting and swinging sets of big band jazz.
The concert, a part of the "Jazz at the Loft" Jazz Concert Series, marks the 5th anniversary
of the weekly Friday jazz concerts and will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Friday,
November 6, 2015 at The Loft Music Hall located in The Loft Upstairs Restaurant (1032
Broadway) in Uptown Columbus. Admission is free and all community members are encouraged
to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary; guests under the age of
21 are welcomed. More information is available at 706-649-7277 or at Jazz Studies.
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble is a 18-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in contemporary
and classic big band music. For this concert, the band will be featuring the music
of a wide variety of jazz big band icons. Selections will include Groovin' Hard from the Buddy Rich Big Band, Oh! by jazz tenor great and composer Ernie Wilkins , Kids Are Pretty People from the Thad Jones library, 23ºN/82ºW from The Stan Kenton Orchestra, John LaBarbara's Tiger of San Pedro, Slo-Funk from the Bob Mintzer Big Band, and a soulful, Basie-inspired rendition of Hoagy Carmichael's
Georgia On My Mind.
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the
mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students
engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music.
The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and
a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and
prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities. The next performance
from the Columbus State University Jazz Studies Program will take place November 13,
2013 at The Loft featuring the CSU Jazz Quintet.
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Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: March 5, 2015
Media Release
February 23, 2015
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble Presents Basie, Stayhorn, Silver, and
Holman
(Columbus, Georgia) The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its third concert of the season featuring the music of Count Basie, Billy Strayhorn, Horace Silver, Bill Holman, and Jerome Kern. The concert will be held at 7:30pm, Thursday, March 5, 2015, in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts (900 Broadway) on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University. Admission is free for the general public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary. More information is available at 706-649-7225.
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble is a 17-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in classic and modern big band music. For this concert, the band will be presenting a collection of exciting lesser-known arrangements from some of the most celebrated composers in jazz history. Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music. The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities. The next performance from Columbus State University Jazz Studies will take place April 2, 2015 in the Studio Theatre at the RiverCenter and will feature the CSU Jazz Quartet.
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Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: October 2, 2014
September 22, 2014
(for immediate release)
Phone: (706) 649-7225 Jazz Studies
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble
Presents "Blowin' Into Fall with the CSU Jazz Ensemble"
(Columbus, Georgia) The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its first
concert of the season featuring the music of Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Thad Jones,
Duke Ellington, and Maynard Ferguson. The concert will be held at 7:30pm, Thursday,
October 2, 2014, in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts (900 Broadway)
on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University. Admission is free for the general
public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations
are not necessary. More information is available at 706-649-7225 or at music.columbusstate.edu.
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble is a 17-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in classic and modern
big band music. For this concert, the band will be presenting a collection of iconic
works from some of the most celebrated big bands in jazz history. Selections include
"That Warm Feeling" and "John the III" from the Count Basie Orchestra, "Nutville"
from the library of Buddy Rich Big Band, Thad Jones' "Walkin' About" from the Thad
Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, "Dancing Nightly" from the early recordings of the Maynard
Ferguson Big Band, and Duke Ellington's "Such Sweet Thunder".
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the
mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students
engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music.
The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and
a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and
prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities. The next performance
from Columbus State University Jazz Studies will take place October 30, 2014 in the
Studio Theatre at the RiverCenter and will feature the CSU Jazz Septet.
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Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: April, 10, 2014
April 1, 2014
(for immediate release)
Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: February 18, 2014
February 3, 2014
(for immediate release)
Dana Landry Trio with the Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: December 6, 2013
Media Release
November 21, 2013
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
Dana Landry Trio and CSU Jazz Ensemble to Perform Together to Open Georgia Association of Jazz Educators All-State Clinic in Columbus
(Columbus, Georgia) The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble will perform its third concert of the season for the opening of the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators All-State Clinic. Joining the band for this concert is the Dana Landry Trio, an internationally renowned jazz piano trio hailing from Colorado. The concert will be held at 7:30pm, Friday, December 6, 2013, in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts (900 Broadway) on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University. Admission is free for the general public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary. More information is available at 706-649-7277 or at Jazz Studies.
The Dana Landry Trio was formed by pianist Dana Landry, bassist Erik Applegate, and drummer Jim White to present a diverse repertoire of music in the jazz piano trio genre. The Trio has performed across the United States at jazz festivals, as guest artist/clinicians, and in conjunction with some of the most prominent names in jazz, including Eddie Daniels, Scott Wendholt, Deborah Brown, Ingrid Jensen, Clay Jenkins, George Garzone, and Dick Oatts. In addition to their own set, the Dana Landry Trio will be performing a set of big band selections alongside the Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program.
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music. The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities.
The next performance by the Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble will take place February 18, 2013 in Legacy Hall on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University.
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Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: November 15, 2013
Media Release
October 21, 2013
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble to Feature Faculty Artists at The Loft Music Hall in Uptown Columbus
(Columbus, Georgia) The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its second concert of the season featuring guest faculty artists Amy Griffiths, Paul Vaillancourt, Ben Weatherford, and Kevin Whalen. The concert, a part of the “Live at the Loft” Jazz Concert Series, will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Friday, November 15, 2013 at The Loft Music Hall located in The Loft Upstairs Restaurant (1032 Broadway) in Uptown Columbus. Admission is free for the general public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary; guests under the age of 21 are welcomed. More information is available at 706-649-7277 or at music.columbusstate.edu.
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble is a 17-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in contemporary and classic big band music. For this concert, the band will be featuring several of the Schwob School of Music's own artist faculty performing personal favorites with the big band. Selections will include The Peanut Vendor from the Stan Kenton Library, April in Paris and Alright, Ok, You Win from the library of Count Basie, Big Dipper from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and more.
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music. The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities.
The next performance by the Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble will take place December 6, 2013 in Legacy Hall on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University for the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators All-State Clinic.
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Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble: October 3, 2013
Media Release
September 19, 2013
(for immediate release)
Contact: Kevin Whalen whalen_kevin@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706) 649-7277 Jazz Studies
Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble to Perform Opening Concert featuring the Music of Jazz Legends
(Columbus, Georgia) The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble, the flagship large ensemble of the CSU Jazz Studies Program, will perform its first concert of the season featuring the music of Thad Jones, Count Basie, Miles Davis, and Horace Silver in Columbus. The concert will be held at 7:30pm, Thursday, October 3, 2013, in Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts (900 Broadway) on the RiverPark campus of Columbus State University. Admission is free for the general public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. Tickets and/or reservations are not necessary. More information is available at 706-649-7277 or at music.columbusstate.edu.
The Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble is a 17-piece large jazz ensemble focused on presenting the best in contemporary and classic big band music. For this concert, the band will perform dynamic and driving swing selections, including Cute and A Warm Breeze from the Count Basie Orchestra, To You and The Groove Merchant from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and The Jody Grind from the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Whalen, the Jazz Studies Program builds upon the mission of the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of jazz music. The program also hosts several small jazz combos, a jazz workshop experience, and a thorough curriculum of jazz courses designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities.
The next performance by the Columbus State University Jazz Ensemble will take place November 15, 2013 at The Loft Upstairs in Uptown Columbus and will feature guest faculty artists Pail Vaillancourt, Amy Griffiths, Ben Weatherford, and Kevin Whalen.
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