Get ready for an extraordinary musical week with UAM’s Jazz Week!!

Join us April 8-10 for a fantastic week of jazz improvisation, theory, and techniques. Immerse yourself in workshops guided by experts in the field, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage with guest artists, fellow musicians, and educators. Enhance your musical skills and networking!

Schedule of Events:

April 8, 2024 -
UAM Jazz II Live Class with Jazz Mentors
@12:00 p.m.
UAM Fine Arts Center

UAM Jazz One Rehearsal with Jazz Mentors
@2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
UAM Fine Arts Center

UAM Student Lessons with Jazz Mentors
@6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room

April 9, 2024 -
Low Brass Masterclass with Ben Patterson & Josh Keen
@10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Music Building, Harris Recital Hall 101

High Brass Masterclass with Tim Leahey & Jason Smith
@10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Music Building, Classroom #133

Rhythm Section Masterclass with Steve Holley & Les Pack
@ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room

Lunch
@12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Masterclass - "Life" with Jazz Mentors
@ 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room

UAM Jazz One Concert Sound Check
@ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
UAM Fine Arts Center

UAM Jazz One Concert
@7:30 p.m.
UAM Fine Arts Center

April 10, 2024 -
Active Listening with Josh Keen & Jazz Mentors

"We have all been told that the key to learning jazz style is listening. It is an art form that transcends notes on a page through an aural tradition that has been passed down for generations. But just listening is not enough. To truly learn this art form you must ACTIVELY listen to the greats. What is active listening? Join me for a hands-on listening session where we look at how the jazz style of different lead players shaped the sound of great bands of the big band era." - Josh Keen
@9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room

Becoming the 21st-century Portfolio Artist/Teacher with Steve Holley 

"In music and music education, we love our labels. Jazz sax player. Funk drummer. Ethnomusicologist. Marching band director. While we can certainly focus on primary areas in our career path, the current musical landscape demands that we fill any number of roles on any given day in any number of related (or not so related) areas. Viewing our teaching and performance careers through the lens of entrepreneurship and hybridity helps us to understand better the multifaceted elements that overlap and intersect in creating the modern, hyphenated musician, i.e., non-profit leader/music educator/music teacher educator/author/bassist. In this session, we’ll explore how to approach our musical lives without the impediment of singular labels to discover who we are becoming and how we fit into—and find success in—the 21st-century musical landscape." - Steve Holley                                                                                               

@10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Music Arranging with Ben Patterson 

"A GUIDE TO STARTING—AND FINISHING—ARRANGEMENTS
Have you ever wanted to write an arrangement but not been sure where to start? Maybe you started but didn’t finish? Approaching an arranging job can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but by formulating and systematic approach, you can not only start your project but see it through to the end, harnessing all your creative energy along the way. Join Ben Patterson as he breaks down his process of writing arrangements for any sized ensemble from start to finish." - Ben Patterson
@1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Jazz Articulations with Tim Leahey

Speaking the Jazz Language - Where Do I Start???

Most of us began our journey into the world of music by joining a school band, or maybe we got a head start with some private lessons. Most of us then spent several years practicing the basics of the instrument. But when we joined the jazz band, we had to learn a whole new set of rules. Join Tim Leahey to explore some simple concepts to help students of any age approach “speaking the jazz language” - from playing in a section to improvisation - in a re-imagined way.

@2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Visual and Performing Arts Center, Band Room

UAM Jam Session with Josh Keen & Jazz Mentors
@7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
TBD

If you have any questions concerning this event, please contact Division of Music Faculty member Mr. Jason Smith:

Mr. Jason Smith
Director of Jazz Studies
Assistant Professor of Music
Trumpet / Jazz One
Office: Visual and Performing Arts 102
Phone: 870 - 460 - 1660
smithjc@uamont.edu

Biographies:

Tim Leahey began studying the trumpet at the age of 6 and has been performing professionally since the age of nine.  Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, he performed with the Altoona Symphony and the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Orchestra while still in high school.

From 1994-2017, Tim was a member/jazz soloist with the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force, The Airmen of Note, serving as the group’s administrative leader the last 4 years. Tim was a member of the Shook Russo Quintet from 2008-2018 and has been a clinician/adjudicator/guest conductor at numerous educational events.  He has been featured as a soloist on over 2 dozen compact disc recordings as well as performing on the Alfred Publishing jazz improvisation series Approaching the Standards.

Tim attended Youngstown State University from 1986-1991 and studied with Esotto Pellegrini, Susan Sexton and Tony Leonardi.  In 1991, he was named Intercollegiate Musician of the Year, as well as winning first place in the International Trumpet Guild jazz improvisation competition.  Since that time, Tim has performed with such artists as Rosemary Clooney, Dick Oatts, Cecil Payne, James Williams, the Brecker Brothers, The Temptations, Frankie Valli and many others, as well as performing on occasion with such noted big bands as the Tonight Show Orchestra under the direction of Doc Severinson, the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Guy Lombardo Orchestra.  Today Tim is active as a freelance musician in the Columbia, South Carolina area and is a member of the South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble.

Steve Holley is a music educator/bassist/author living in Boston, MA. Steve holds a Ph.D. in Music Learning and Teaching from Arizona State University as well as a B.M. and an M.M. in Jazz/Classical Bass Performance from the University of Memphis. As a teacher, Steve previously served as the Producer for the Commercial Music Program at the Kent Denver School outside Denver, CO, for nineteen years. During his tenure, the R&B, soul, salsa, and jazz bands of the CMP were recognized by DownBeat magazine’s Student Music Awards fifteen times. The bands performed hundreds of gigs in the U.S. and abroad, held standing gigs at local clubs, performed on dozens of radio and television broadcasts, recorded at some of the most hallowed studios in the country, and performed with dozens of Grammy-caliber artists. As a bassist, Steve has recorded on over 100 studio projects and has played over 10,000 gigs across the world in every style of music imaginable. As a writer, Steve authored the book Coaching a Popular Music Ensemble: Blending Formal, non-formal, and Informal Approaches in the Rehearsal and co-edited Action-based Approaches in Popular Music Education—a text featuring chapters from 26 experienced popular music educators discussing their teaching approaches to the popular music learning space. Currently, Steve serves as the President of the Association for Popular Music Education. Steve and his family recently moved to Boston, MA, with their two rescue Boston Terriers, Matilda and Clementine.

A native of Calhoun, Louisiana, Jason Smith brings a dynamic passion to trumpet and music education. Mr. Smith distinguished himself as a professional trumpet player with the United States Air Force Band and has since expanded his influence in higher education music. Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he continued as a trumpet instructor and the director of the prestigious Jazz One at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Under his direction, Jazz One won the “Most Outstanding Big Band” award and seven individual student jazz awards at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival in 2019, recorded their first studio album called “The First Time Out,” and performed at the 75th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois in 2021.

Mr. Smith’s extensive knowledge of the big band genre led to his appointment as the musical director for the USAF Band of the West’s “Dimensions in Blue.” His programming and drive towards a fresh, contemporary sound enhanced the ensemble’s musical product to become comparable to the nation’s finest big bands. Mr. Smith also led as a road manager, finance manager, and assistant marketing director within the USAF Band program. After the Air Force, Mr. Smith joined the team from the 17th largest church in America, Community Bible Church, and was the director of marketing and orchestra manager for CBC Music. Mr. Smith is an accomplished clinician among many high school, college, and professional big bands and has taught privately across the US.

He has performed with the renowned United States Air Force Band “Airmen of Note,” the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Dave Stall, Eddie Daniels, Eric Ewazen, Dwayne O’ Brien, The Miracles, The Food Network, The International Trumpet Guild, The Dayton Jazz Orchestra, The San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, and The Midwest Clinic. Mr. Smith’s musical talents can be heard on numerous musical recordings ranging from Big Band, Classical, and Christian Worship. Mr. Smith has traveled across the United States and five international countries, touring as a lead trumpet player and soloist for various concert, rock, and big bands. Mr. Smith’s mouthpieces are made by James R. New, and he plays on a CAROLBRASS - BMAC model trumpet.

Mr. Les Pack is a professional guitarist who has performed with Clark Terry, Della Reese, Marvin Hamlisch, Robert Goulet, Frank Gorshin, Roger Williams, and many more. While performing with the Dave Rogers Trio, Mr. Pack opened for Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, David Sanborn. Mr. Pack is also a renowned composer and is part owner of the Twin Towers Publishing Company, which specializes in the publication of concert band music for all levels of band, with an emphasis on young band literature. He has also been commissioned to compose music for many different musical organizations including the University Scholastic League in Texas, Oklahoma Music Educators, New Mexico State University, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and many others. He was also commissioned to compose etudes for sight reading for the Oklahoma All-State Band auditions.

Josh Keen is a trombonist with the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest in Fort Worth, Texas. He serves as the Musical Director of the Flight Plan Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, as well as performing with the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Brass Quintet, and the popular music ensemble Airlift. He previously served in the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, as the Lead Trombonist with the Noteables Jazz Ensemble. He began his career in military music with the U.S. Army Band Program as a trombonist in the 392nd Army Band at Fort Lee, Virginia. He has also performed with the Pecos River Brass Big Band, the Equinox Jazz Orchestra, the Monroe Symphony, and the Rapides Symphony.

Josh earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas. While at UNT, he performed and recorded with the UNT Lab Bands, the Jazz Repertory Ensemble, and the Latin Jazz Ensemble, and studied trombone with Vern Kagarice and Tony Baker. He also represented UNT as the lead trombonist for the 2005 Collegiate All-Star Band at Walt Disney World. While stationed in Virginia, Josh studied with Ross Walter at Virginia Commonwealth University and formed the first-ever VCU Jazz Trombone Ensemble.

As a performer, Josh has shared the stage with Bill Watrous, Dave Steinmeyer, Matt Niess, Harry Watters, Graham Breedlove, Mark Zauss, Carl Fischer, Matt Wallace, Sal Lozano, Joseph Alessi, Ray Vega, Michael Davis, “Blue” Lou Marini, and Wycliffe Gordon. In addition to performing with the ANG Band of the Southwest, he is a member of the Mansfield Wind Symphony and recently performed with them at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Ben Patterson is one of the most easily recognizable trombonists and big band arrangers today. His fiery approach to the trombone, whether from the lead chair or solo mic, has excited listeners around the world for more than two decades. From his early years in his hometown of Sapulpa, OK, Ben was drawn to sounds of all kinds. He had a drive to compose tunes by the age of eight. When he started trombone in 6th grade, he found his voice. Sapulpa’s excellent directors pushed him to improve and exposed him to great music. Ben continued his education at the University of North Texas, where he continued to develop his playing chops. While at UNT, Ben started a lifelong friendship with Alan Baylock, who encouraged and helped hone his composing and arranging chops. For over twenty-two years, Ben was a member of The Airmen of Note, where he rose to the positions of lead trombonist and music director. While with the “Note,” Ben performed hundreds of concerts and clinics all over the U.S. and abroad, recorded 16 albums (featuring many of his compositions and arrangements) worked with countless guest artists, and even entertained U.S. presidents. As the band’s musical director, Ben produced ten Jazz Heritage Series recordings with guests including such artists as Branford Marsalis, Randy Brecker, and Christian McBride. Ben also produced three stand-alone recordings for the Note, including “Veterans of Jazz,” “Air Power,” and “Global Reach,” which expanded the band’s repertoire with music from around the world.

In 2016, Ben launched the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra with its first recording, “Vital Frequencies featuring Chris Potter.” The band includes some of the Washington D.C. area’s top musicians and has performed at Blues Alley and for the Washington Performing Arts Society Gala. Ben also leads small groups of various formats. In 2021, he launched a new quintet venture with the release of his latest recording “Push The Limits” on Origin Records. In the Washington D.C. area, he has been a regular lead player and soloist with bands such as the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, the Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, and The Joe McCarthy/Vince Norman Big Band. He was also a long-time member of the popular Latin group, Sin Miedo led by Didier Prossaird. Ben’s furious technique and rhythmic diversity come from a strong personal belief that we should never limit ourselves to the ordinary or let others define for us what is possible. He is inspired by musical risk-takers and relishes a fearless approach to music.

Ben delights in sharing his love and enthusiasm for music with musicians of all ages and experience levels, building the connections that tie the musical community together, and helping the next generation of musicians fan the flames of their internal spark. In addition to performing countless clinics and master classes for high schools, festivals, and the Jazz Education Network Conference, Ben has served as the jazz trombone adjunct faculty for The University of Maryland, the director of the W.T. Woodson High School Jazz Band, and the Master of Trombone instructor at the University of Arkansas Monticello. Ben Patterson is one of the most easily recognizable trombonists and big band arrangers today. His fiery approach to the trombone, whether from the lead chair or solo mic, has excited listeners around the world for more than two decades. From his early years in his hometown of Sapulpa, OK, Ben was drawn to sounds of all kinds. He had a drive to compose tunes by the age of eight. When he started trombone in 6th grade, he found his voice. Sapulpa’s excellent directors pushed him to improve and exposed him to great music. Ben continued his education at the University of North Texas, where he continued to develop his playing chops. While at UNT, Ben started a lifelong friendship with Alan Baylock, who encouraged and helped hone his composing and arranging chops.

For over twenty-two years, Ben was a member of The Airmen of Note, where he rose to the positions of lead trombonist and music director. While with the “Note,” Ben performed hundreds of concerts and clinics all over the U.S. and abroad, recorded 16 albums (featuring many of his compositions and arrangements) worked with countless guest artists, and even entertained U.S. presidents. As the band’s musical director, Ben produced ten Jazz Heritage Series recordings with guests including such artists as Branford Marsalis, Randy Brecker, and Christian McBride. Ben also produced three stand-alone recordings for the Note, including “Veterans of Jazz,” “Air Power,” and “Global Reach,” which expanded the band’s repertoire with music from around the world. In 2016, Ben launched the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra with its first recording, “Vital Frequencies featuring Chris Potter.” The band includes some of the Washington D.C. area’s top musicians and has performed at Blues Alley and for the Washington Performing Arts Society Gala. Ben also leads small groups of various formats. In 2021, he launched a new quintet venture with the release of his latest recording “Push The Limits” on Origin Records. In the Washington D.C. area, he has been a regular lead player and soloist with bands such as the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, the Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, and The Joe McCarthy/Vince Norman Big Band. He was also a long-time member of the popular Latin group, Sin Miedo led by Didier Prossaird. Ben’s furious technique and rhythmic diversity come from a strong personal belief that we should never limit ourselves to the ordinary or let others define for us what is possible. He is inspired by musical risk-takers and relishes a fearless approach to music.

Ben delights in sharing his love and enthusiasm for music with musicians of all ages and experience levels, building the connections that tie the musical community together, and helping the next generation of musicians fan the flames of their internal spark. In addition to performing countless clinics and master classes for high schools, festivals, and the Jazz Education Network Conference, Ben has served as the jazz trombone adjunct faculty for The University of Maryland, the director of the W.T. Woodson High School Jazz Band, and the Master of Trombone instructor at the University of Arkansas Monticello.