Music

Jazz Ensemble

Director: Dr. Dave Camwell

The Simpson College Jazz Ensemble is an eighteen piece group that performs big band music from throughout the past seven decades. Included in the musical line-up are the compositions and arrangements of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Claude Thornhill, Fletcher Henderson, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, the Buddy Rich Band, Oliver Nelson, Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones, right up through the latest jazz arrangements of Phil Woods, Bob Washut, Paul McKee and Dee Barton. The ensemble places an emphasis on good musicianship, stylistic considerations, jazz techniques and improvisation, and a commitment to jazz music.

The Jazz Ensemble is directed by Dave Camwell and presents a full concert each semester as well as making appearances on and off campus at venues such as the "Lunch Time" open air concert, Simpson Christmas Gala and the Big Band Nostalgia Dance.

jazzband

Having guest artists work with the Jazz Ensemble is critical to exposing the students to the music and performing of world renowned jazz musicians. Each year visiting jazz artists are brought to campus to present workshops, master classes and concerts with the ensemble. In the recent past this has included such names as: Maynard Ferguson, Bob Washut, Paul McKee, Steve Owen, Dan Cavanagh, Chris Culver and Pete Simonsen.

Recent jazz events have included concert and workshop by Dave Pietro and his Bande Brazil, a special concert of the Simpson College Jazz Ensemble featuring the music of the legendary jazz composer/educator/performer David N. Baker. Baker (president of the International Association for Jazz Educators, director of the Smithsonian Masterworks Big Band, Distinguished Professor of Music at Indiana University), along with workshops, discussions and rehearsals with Mr. Baker.   Also included in recent guest performances are Kristian Alexandrov Trio, saxophonist Todd Delguidice, and trumpeter Scott Belck.

Beautiful Love (2007)- sound file - Scott Belck, guest trumpet

BeBop Minor (2007) - sound file - Scott Belck, guest trumpet

Last Updated: 10/24/08