GCSU Jazz Band

The 2008-2009 GCSU Jazz Band

The GCSU Jazz Band has, for years, been known as one of the top jazz ensembles in the state. With a long tradition of excellence. the jazz band continues to amaze audiences with its entertaining and energetic performances.

The GCSU Jazz Band performs annually throughout the state of Georgia and the southeastern United States. Most recently the group has been selected to perform at the prestigious Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach Florida as the feature group on their Jazz Festival. These performances in the spring of 1999 and 2000 featured guest artist like jazz trumpet player Byron Stripling and the world famous jazz trombonist, Bill Watrous. In addition to West Palm Beach the GCSU Jazz Band has performed in Jacksonville, New Orleans, Washington D.C., and in the Orlando area.

Byron Stripling performing in Russell Auditorium

The jazz band also performs as a part of community celebrations like Fest-of-Ville in Milledgeville, The Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, The Reynolds Plantation Arts Festival, in Eatonton, Walk for Cancer fund raiser and the annual Central Georgia Cancer Society silent auction and dinner.

Each semester the jazz band performs for the University and Milledgeville communities to a packed house in Russell Auditorium on the GCSU campus.

Vocalist Laura Dees singing "Santa Baby"

Their varied repertory of big band swing and contemporary jazz pleases everyone in the audience. Each Spring the band features a guest artist that rehearses and performs with the band and also gives workshops for area high school students and the university music majors. These guest artist have included Bobby Shew, Jim Snidero, Byron Stripling, Ron Carter, and Chris Vadala.

 Chris Vadala live with the GCSU Jazz Band

The 18 students that make up this "Big Band" come from all corners of the state and represent a variety of major fields at GCSU. The jazz band students varied interest represent the liberal arts mission of the university by representing major fields like Chemistry, History, Computer Science, Business, Math, Music Therapy, and Music.

The GCSU Jazz Band traveled to Europe for a 21 day performance/Study Abroad experience. The group toured and performed through out the Czech Republic. The GCSU Jazz Band was featured in an International Music Festival in Lettohrad and a Jazz Festival in Tyniste, both in the Czech Republic.  The GCSU Jazz Band is planning a return trip to the Czech Republic Spring 2011.