PASA sponsors Essentially Ellington Regional High School Band Festival

Thirteen high school jazz ensembles from four states will gather on Saturday, April 24 to perform at the first Louisiana Essentially Ellington Regional High School Band Festival, a project of the Performing  Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA)

The Louisiana Regional festival is a partnership between PASA, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington program, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Festival International, with support from Popeyes—the  Louisiana Regional's Founding Sponsor. The festival will take place at Angelle Hall on the campus of the University of Louisiana Lafayette and bands from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas are slated to participate.

The Louisiana Essentially Ellington Festival is the official southeastern regional event. This non-competitive festival is one of five Essentially Ellington Festivals in the country that offers high school jazz ensembles the opportunity to play original transcripts of recordings from some of the biggest names in jazz music including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, “The King” Benny Carter and the music of Mary Lou Williams, including the arrangements she wrote for the Duke Ellington andBenny Goodman Orchestras.

 Angie Doyle, Director of Marketing for TMC foods dba Popeyes, says, "Popeyes is proud to be the founding sponsor of the Louisiana Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival. As a company, we are supporters of culturally enriching and educational opportunities for all students. The introduction of this festival to our state supports and continues the development of jazz music as an important art form in school music programs."

Ensembles competing in the festival will be required to perform three selections. Each band will receive immediate feedback from an Essentially Ellington adjudicator. The Festival's adjudicators include Dr. Ronald Carter, Professor of Music and Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University and one of the most versatile and sought-after clinicians in jazz education. Carter will be joined by Dr. William J. Hochkeppel, Director of Bands and Associate Professor of music at U.L. Lafayette and Dr. Stephen C. Massey, Chairman of the Music Department for Foxboro Public Schools in Foxboro, Massachusetts, who serves as a member of the Essentially Ellington Band Director's Academy faculty. Trombonist Andre Hayward, a former member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, who is in great demand as a performer and teacher, rounds out the panel of judges.

 The ensemble selected best by the panel of adjudicators will perform with Andre Hayward as their guest artist at Festival International at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at the Scene Popeyes stage. 

Andre Hayward is an educator extremely gifted trombonist who has been compared to the late musician J.J. Johnson.  He performed with trumpeter Roy Hargrave for a European tour and record with singer/bandleader Betty Carter for five years in her acclaimed "Jazz Ahead" program with other notable performers including; Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, John Lewis, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gerald Wilson, Kirk Whalum, Jimmy Heath, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Illinois Jacquet's Big Band. In addition to serving as adjunct trombone professor at The New England Conservatory and New York University, Hayward has performed as a member of The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and with The San Francisco Jazz Collective led by Joshua Redman.

 Jackie Lyle, PASA executive director says, “The Louisiana Essentially  Ellington festival is an important opportunity for band directors and their students to hear each other perform before an audience as well as to receive comments and suggestions from our distinguished panel of adjudicators. Jazz--our American music-- is as fun to play as it is to hear and some of the most talented high school jazz musicians from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas will be fired up for what is sure to be a swinging day of jazz."

 All ensembles participating in the Festival are members of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2009-2010 free Essentially Ellington program. Schools that join this program are eligible to participate in the regional festival and have the option to submit a recording for the national E.E. High School Jazz Band and Competition festival held annually in New York City at the Fredrick P. Rose Hall, the home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. As part of their membership, Band Directors received three original Duke Ellington Orchestra transcriptions and three original arrangements by Mary Lou Williams, as well as reference recordings, teaching guides, newsletters and other resources.

Bands begin performing at 9 a.m. on April 24 and continue throughout the day, with a final performance by the ULL Jazz Ensemble.  Awards will be announced at 5:15 p.m. and the band that receives the highest marks from adjudicators will perform with Andre Hayward at 7:15 p.m. at Festival International at Scene Popeyes stage.

 Volunteers are needed for to serve in a variety of roles on the day of the festival.  Interested individuals are asked to call the PASA office at (337) 237-2787 for more information and to register. The Louisiana Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Festival is free and open to the public. For more information go online to www.pasaonline.org or call the PASA office at (337) 237-2787.

                                             

UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre and UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra open The Mystery of Edwin Drood

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre and UL-Lafayette Orchestra production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood opens tonight, March 25th, at 7:30 pm at Angelle Hall and continues through Sunday, March 28th.

PASA seeking a capella groups to open for Rockepella

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) will host an online audition for a capella groups who want to be the opening act for the international music sensation Rockapella, when they perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center as part of PASA’s 2009/2010 mainstage series. Known for their rock infused harmonies, Rockapella are the originators of a unique flavor of contemporary pop music; one that has spread virally across the United States, Asia and Europe. The group’s widespread appeal has built legions of fans throughout the USA and across the globe.

Entry is easy and can be done through www.pasa-online.org. All groups must create a video and upload it to an account on YouTube. Accounts with YouTube are free and can be created in a matter of minutes. Once the video is uploaded, the applicant should go online to www.pasa-online.org and follow the Rockapella links to continue their audition submission.  There should be no more than seven members in the group and all members of the group must be 15 years of age or older. Entrants must include a name, age, valid address, email and phone number. The contest ends at 5p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

Tickets for the April 13 Rockapella performance are on sale now and available through TicketMaster outlets, by phone at (877) 745-3000 or online at www.pasa-online.org.

Rockapella is sponsored by Sir Speedy, Capital One Bank Accel Security, and Centennial Wireless, the official wireless provider for PASA.

For more information about the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, please visit us online at www.pasaonline.org or contact PASA at (337) 237-2787.

UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre and UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra

Come and see the UL Opera Theatre's and the UL Symphony's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Solve-It-Yourself Musical!

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper's nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of Drood's most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!

Cast:
Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
John Jasper--Holden Greene
Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
Durdles--Ken Harrelson
Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan

Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Katie Parris, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews

Dancers - Kristina Doiron, Courtney Scott, Rebecca LaFleur, Katie Parris, and Ashley Arnold

The show is directed by Shawn Roy, and choreographed by Melinda Caubarreaux. The UL Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Blaney. Set design and construction by Duncan Thistlethwaite, Lighting design by Ken Harrelson and Sound by Nathan Abbott.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes.

The show will run Thursday (March 25th), Friday March 26th), Saturday (March 27th) at 7:30pm, with a Sunday matinee on March 28th at 3pm.

Performances will be held at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall on UL campus.

Tickets will be available at the door for $10 general admission, and free for UL students and faculty.

Danny O'Flaherty Performance

Firelight Performing Arts Academy is proud to present Danny O’Flaherty in concert on Saturday, March 20 at 7 pm.

Danny O'Flaherty has captivated audiences from Old Jaffa and Jerusalem to Washington D.C.  None other than The Washington Post raved, "Suddenly we were no longer in our nation's capital; we were on a trip across the waters as we clapped, sung along, laughed, and yes, even wept a tear at a gentle ballad.  For Danny O'Flaherty is good, very good.  His program wowed an appreciative crowd."  Whether is it a sold-out concert with the Tulsa Philharmonic, an invitation only performance for the alumnae of Notre Dame University, an Inaugural Ball, a World's Fair, a command performance for a pope or president, or a featured performance for the Council of Exceptional Children's Annual Convention or the American Ireland Fund, Danny O'Flaherty leaves every audience spellbound.

This talented musician switches seamlessly from guitar to accordion to tin whistle to harmonica.  His repertoire is extraordinary.  Haunting ballads of loves lost and found, songs of the sea and glen, aching calls for tolerance and peace, jigs and reels; Gaelic favorites - traditional tunes interspersed with original hit recordings from his popular CDs - all this and a bewitching personality that has audiences young and old calling for more.

For reservations or more information contact Firelight at 857-6991 or by email at concert@firelightenterprises.com.

Acadiana symphony Orchestra--Review

In the Friday, March 12th edition of the Daily Advertiser, Ray Blum reviews the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's presentation of "Chopin and Jazz", featuring pianist Adam Makowicz.

Rockapella Vocal Performance

Rockapella, the international vocal sensation, hits the Heymann Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13. This performance is part of the 2009/2010 mainstage series presented by the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana(PASA).  Known for their rock infused harmonies, Rockapella are the originators of a unique flavor of contemporary pop music; one that has spread virally across the United States, Asia and Europe. The group’s widespread appeal has built legions of fans throughout the USA and across the globe. 

“Every Rockapella show has an unmistakable feel, with audience participation and Rockapella’s own unique favorites like Zombie Jamboree,” says Jacqueline Lyle, PASA’s executive director. "It's fun for everyone, young and old, alike." 

Rockapella first got their start in 1986 after a producer heard them performing on the streets of New York and recommended them as a featured performer on the Public Broadcasting System(PBS) television special Do It A Cappella, hosted by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee.  Shortly after their appearance on that show, PBS contacted them to write and record the theme music for the hit show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? and, asked that the group star in the show as thehouse band.  Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego went on to become the second longest running children’s game show in U.S. television history.  According to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the show's theme song--which was written by two of the founding members of Rockapella, Sean Altman and David Yazbek--is one of the most well-known themes in television history.  

USA Today says, “Some say the best musical instrument of all is the human voice - if you’ve seen Rockapella you know that’s the truth.”

Rockapella’s next major appearance was in the HBO inventive hit family series, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child which also included Whoopi Goldberg & Denzel Washington. Since 2003, Rockapella has traveled the country with their annual “A Rockapella Holiday” tour. They have collaborated and performed with the Boston Pops orchestra to sold out audiences across the United States.

These HBO and PBS television programs ignited the flame that placed Rockapella in demand by North America’s top media outlets.  Rockapella has appeared with the best – The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC’s Today Show with Katie Couric & Matt Lauer, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, the CBS Early Show with Bryant Gumbel, CBS’s Orange Bowl Parade - the list goes on.

A solid chain, Rockapella's singers are the top of their craft. Scott Leonard, the group's high tenor, is typically found in the center of contemporary a cappella creating the arrangements, sounds, and songs of this multi-national phenomenon. Profoundly influenced by the Motown greats and especially Stevie Wonder, Leonard¹s music emerges as a unique brand of pop and soul smart, often witty and entertaining.  In addition, he can be found in the producer's chair writing, producing and recording the group's albums and most of the group's original songs as well as their arrangements of popular songs.  

John K. Brown (tenor) pulls together Rockapella’s incredible and unique sound. His performance experience includes  the stages of Broadway, Off-Broadway, Disney and shared stages with Tina Tuner, Phil Collins, and Julie Andrews, (tenor) John K. Brown's talent shines very brightly. 

A worldwide talent search led Rockapella to Steven Dorian (tenor), a former baseball star at theUniversity of Massachusetts. Dorian comes to Rockapella straight from the world famous stages of Disney, having played many major roles in Disney productions, including Disney's Festival of the Lion King. Dorian is also a dancer and musician having been showcased from Branson to New York, opening for Kenny Rogers, performing for international audiences. With his gorgeous vocals, smooth style, and magical grace on the stage, Steven rounds out the savory blend of Rockapella's three tenors.

A true bass voice is perhaps one of the most challenging voices to find. George Baldi (bass) is a native of Philadelphia and member of the group Unique Attraction, which later became Boyz II Men, came to Rockapella after performing in various other groups around the world for Universal Studios. His formidable talent, charm, and the delicious contemporary soul of his massive voice gives Rockapella the perfect harmonic foundation.  Rounding out the group is Jeff Thacher (vocal percussion).  An artist among the top of his craft, Thatcher is a graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. His musical roots are broad covering all aspects of vocal study from traditional to a more modern funk style that has become the cornerstone of Rockapella’s unique sound. 

Responding to popular demand, the group took their original songs, their arrangements, and their signature harmonies into the studio.  The outcome: seven albums for North America, ten albums for Japan.  To date, Rockapella has recorded and released a combined total of 22 albums both domestic and internationally, with their latest album set to hit stores in May 2010.

Often imitated, never duplicated, Rockapella remains an innovative burst of talent continuing to sell out venues around the world.  

WPLJ New York’s hit morning DJ, Todd Pettengill, raves “Rockapella’s music is so contagious it should come with a warning label… Five voices that blend into a symphony, Rockapella is the sound of the future, today! Incredible.”

Tickets for the April 13 performance are on sale now and available through TicketMaster outlets, by phone at (877) 745-3000 or online.

UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre

Come and see the UL Department of Music's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Solve-It-Yourself Musical!

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper's nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of Drood's most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!

Cast:
     Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
     Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
     John Jasper--Holden Greene
     Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
     Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
     Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
     Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
     Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
     Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
     Durdles--Ken Harrelson
     Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan
     Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Katie Parris, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews
     Dancers - Kristina Doiron, Courtney Scott, Rebecca LaFleur, Katie Parris, and Ashley Arnold

The show is directed by Shawn Roy, and choreographed by Melinda Caubarreaux. The UL Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Blaney. Set design and construction is by Duncan Thistlethwaite.
Book, Music, and Lyrics are by Rupert Holmes.

The show opens on March 25th at 7:30 pm and will continue on the 26th and 27th with a Sunday matinee on March 28th at 3pm.  Performances will be held at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall on UL campus.  Tickets will be available at the door for $10 general admission, and free for UL students and faculty.

 

11th Annual Friends of Music Voice Competition

The 11th Annual Friends of Music Voice Competition at UL Lafayette took place this past Tuesday, March 2 at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium. There were 10 participants singing each 3 selections. The judge for the evening was Dr. Bret Smithey from McNeese State University. Winners of the competition was Jenee Luquette in first place, Meghin Taylor in second place and Alex Hollerman in third place. The winners were awarded a certificate and a cash prize.

Musical theatre

On March 11th, the Opelousas Little Theatre opens with the OLT version of Jekyll & Hyde: the musical. Thirty actors bring their best to perform the inherent qualities of good and evil. The new venue, The Delta Grand, is almost finished and ready to showcase its first theatrical performance. Join them the last 3 weekends of March (March 11th through the 28th), Thursday through Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Sell outs are already happening, so purchase tickets now at Sebastien Dupre Jewelry, 337-948-4367. Charges, cash and checks are accepted, and Robbie will hold for the tickets at will call at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the door for that night's performance, but be aware that shows may sell out.

For more information, call Dana Reed at (337) 351-2591 or Duncan McBride at either (337) 543-8762 or (337) 351-3822 (cell).

Bisbano's Songwriters' Night

Bisbano's Cellar Door is hosting (as part of the 11th anniversary celebration) Shelton Skerrett Songwriters Night with special guests, David Egan and Buddy Flett on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:00 pm.

There's a very exciting night shaping up, with special performances by songwriters David Egan (who has written songs for Joe Cocker, Solomon Burke, Etta James, Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball, and many others), Buddy Flett (performing separately, but has collaborated with David Egan on several occasions and has written songs for John Mayall, Tab Benoit, Percy Sledge, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Adams and others, and is currently touring with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Hubert Sumlin), Bob Robira, The Artist Only Known As Al Guillot (with his uniquely awesome cigar-box guitars which he custom crafts himself!), Ken Roberts, Matt Crochet, Buzz Richard, and others.

PASA

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) will present the international tour of George and Ira Gershwin's quintessential American opera, Porgy and Bess, at the Heymann Center for the Performing Arts. Jazz phrasings find a home in opera in this breath-taking masterpiece that entwines pride, prejudice, pathos and passion, with a memorable score that includes "Summertime", "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin’" and "It Ain't Necessarily So".


PASA is also sponsoring outreach activities before the performances. An exciting lineup of lectures and art demonstrations are planned as PASA prepares for their presentation of Porgy and Bess at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 7 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. There will be a special student production on Monday, March 8th.

The activity schedule leading up to the Porgy and Bess performance is designed for opera fans, music and theater lovers and anyone interested in culture and stimulated by new ideas.

          Wednesday, March 3
Porgy and Bess: A love story against all odds
Lafayette Parish Library-south regional branch
6101 Johnston Street
Lafayette, La 70503
Time: 6:30 pm

George Gershwin’s great American opera Porgy and Bess was controversial from the start (in 1958 the movie set was destroyed by arson), but songs like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” ensure its immortality. Join U.L.’s Dr Susan Nicassio as she explores the classic tale of love, crime, loss, and ultimately redemption, set in the Charleston tenement of Catfish Row.

            Saturday, March 6
PASA presents: "Porgy and Bess; from drama to destiny"
Teen Discussion
Progressive Baptist Church Community Center
125 Gallian Street
Lafayette,La 70501
Time: 1-3 pm

PASA will host a teen summit at Progressive Baptist Church Community Center. Area high school students are invited to participate as panelists in the teen discussion. The summit will focus on similar social challenges faced by the characters from Porgy and Bess and how it relates to teens today.This event will be moderated by local poet and actress Katrina Auzenne, and co-moderated by Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux. The event is free but space is limited. Interested participants can register by calling (337) 237-2787 ext. 206.

Tickets for Porgy and Bess range from $12-$60 with discounts available for groups of 10 or more and students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased through all TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 1(800)745-3000, or online at the PASA website.

UL Concert Series--The American Brass Quintet

The UL Concert Series is presenting the American Brass Quintet on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:30 pm at Asbury UMC at 101 Live Oak in Lafayette.  Tickets are $10 (general admission), $5 (students and seniors) and admission is free for UL faculty, staff and students with ID>

Celebrating its fiftieth year during the 2009-2010 season, the American Brass Quintet has been internationally recognized as one of the premiere chamber music ensembles of our time. The ABQ's rich history includes performances in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and all fifty of the United States; a discography of over fifty recordings; the premieres of over one-hundred contemporary brass works, and in the last decade, mini-residencies that have brought the ABQ's chamber music expertise to countless young musicians and institutions worldwide. ABQ commissions by Samuel Adler, Bruce Adolphe, Daniel Asia, Jan Bach, Robert Beaser, William Bolcom, Elliott Carter, Jacob Druckman, Eric Ewazen, Anthony Plog, Huang Ruo, Steven Sacco, David Sampson, Gunther Schuller, William Schuman, Ralph Shapey, Joan Tower, Melinda Wagner, and Charles Whittenberg, are considered among the most significant contributions to the modern brass quintet repertoire. In the last three seasons the ABQ has premiered new works by Gordon Beeferman, Justin Dello Joio, Shafer Mahoney, David Sampson, and Grammy-winning, composer-pianist Billy Childs, and released two new recordings—Cheer Boys Cheer (volume two of civil war brass music of the 26th N.C. Regimental Band, and Jewels (ABQ concert favorites). In commemoration their 50th anniversary, the ABQ will soon release their eighth recording on the Summit label—a double CD of new works called The State of the Art—the ABQ at 50.


Equally committed to the promotion of brass chamber music through education, the American Brass Quintet has been in residence at The Juilliard School since 1987 and at the Aspen Music Festival since 1970. Since 2001 the ABQ has offered its expertise in chamber music performance and training with a program of mini-residencies as part of its regular touring season. Designed to offer young groups and individuals an intense chamber music experience over several days, ABQ mini-residencies have been embraced by schools and communities throughout the United States and internationally.

Through its acclaimed performances, diverse programming, commissioning, extensive discography and educational mission, the ABQ has created a legacy unparalleled in the brass field. Hailed as "the high priests of brass" by Newsweek, "positively breathtaking" by the New York Times, and "of all the brass quintets, the most distinguished" by the American Record Guide, the American Brass Quintet has clearly defined itself among the elite chamber music ensembles of our time.

     Raymond Mase, trumpet
Trumpeter Raymond Mase has been a member of the American Brass Quintet since 1973 and is responsible for many of the ABQ’s performance editions and recordings of 16th-, 17th-, and 19th-century brass music. He is also a founding member of the Summit Brass and principal trumpeter of the New York City Ballet Orchestra. Mr. Mase can be heard on well over one hundred recordings, including as soloist on the Albany, Deutsche Grammophon, Summit, Koch, Cambria, Troy, MHS, and Furious Artisans labels. In addition to his performing and teaching, Mr. Mase is Chair of the Brass Department at The Juilliard School, a member of the Aspen Music School faculty,and has served on the Board of Directors of Chamber Music America.

   Kevin Cobb, trumpet
Trumpeter Kevin Cobb became a member of the American Brass Quintet in the fall of 1998. Prior to his joining the ABQ, he had been a member of the Manhattan Brass Quintet and Meridian Arts Ensemble. Currently Mr. Cobb serves on the faculties of The Juilliard School, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, SUNY Stony Brook, the Hartt School, and the Aspen Music School. He performs regularly with such organizations as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet Orchestra, Speculum Musicae, and is co-principal trumpeter of the Aspen Festival Orchestra. His first solo CD entitled One features an all-American program of unaccompanied trumpet solos on the Summit Label.

     David Wakefield, horn
David Wakefield, horn, joined the American Brass Quintet in 1976 while he was a doctoral student at The Juilliard School. A member of the Aspen Music School faculty since 1976 and the Juilliard School faculty since 1987, he also serves as Associate Dean for Performance Activities at The Juilliard School. Principal horn of the Little Orchestra Society, Mr. Wakefield has performed with the New York, Vienna, and Brooklyn Philharmonics, Houston Symphony, and regularly with the Orchestra of St. Luke's, the New York City Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He has premiered over 250 new works and worked closely with such composers as Milton Babbitt, Luciano Berio, Elliott Carter, John Corigliano, Jacob Druckman, Eric Ewazen, George Tsontakis, and Charles Wuorinen.

      Michael Powell, trombone
Michael Powell has been tenor trombonist of the American Brass Quintet since 1983. He also performs and records regularly with the Orchestra of St. Luke's, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Little Orchestra Society, Zankel Band, Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble, and Aspen Festival Orchestra. Mr. Powell has performed as soloist with the Orchestra of St. Luke's, Kansas City Philharmonic, and at the Aspen and New Hampshire Music Festivals. He has taught master classes in trombone and chamber music worldwide. Mr. Powell commissioned, premiered and recorded the Sonata for Trombone and Piano by Eric Ewazen, with the composer as pianist. He is on the faculties of The Juilliard School, SUNY Stony Brook, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and the Aspen Music School.

     John D. Rojak, bass trombone
American Brass Quintet member since1991, John Rojak is also bass trombonist with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and New York Pops, and has performed and recorded with the New York Philharmonic and Orpheus. He served as bass trombonist for the sixteen-year run of Les Miserables on Broadway and was the first bass trombonist to be artist-in-residence at Quad City Arts (Iowa). Recent solo recordings include The Romantic Bass Trombone on MMC Records, Eric Ewazen’s Rhapsody for Bass Trombone and Strings for Albany Records, and Walter Ross’ Trombone Concerto No. 2 with the New York Chamber Symphony. He is on the faculties of The Juilliard School, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Bard College Conservatory of Music, and the Aspen Music School.

Acadiana Synphony Orchestra

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is presenting "Chopin and Jazz" featuring Adam Makowicz, jazz pianist, on  Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3:00 pm at UL-Lafayette's Angelle Hall.  The program will feature:
     Chopiniana...................................................A. Glazunov
     Jazz Impressions on Chopin.....................Chopin/Makowicz
     Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter"................W.A. Mozart

Tickets are $1 in advance for students with ID ($5 at the door) and $25 for non-students.  For ticket information, call the ASO office at (337) 232-4277, ext. 1.

Sponsored by The Floor Trader of Lafayette