Jazz Singers perform at Jazz Education Network conference

calendar icon14 Jan 2022    

Lincoln, Neb.--The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music’s Jazz Singers were invited to perform at the Jazz Education Network Conference in Dallas, Texas, earlier this month.

The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. The annual conference draws thousands from jazz beginners to experts for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Jazz Singers are under the direction of Lecturer David von Kampen, himself a composer and six-time Downbeat Award winner in graduate-level jazz writing categories.

“It was a terrific experience,” von Kampen said. “The students gave a great performance for an amazing audience of jazz educators and students from around the country.

Their program included “Green Lights,” by Sarah Jarosz and Luke Reynolds, arranged by von Kampen; “America” by Paul Simon, arranged by von Kampen; “The Valley” by Ethan Gruska, arranged by von Kampen; “Murder by Numbers” by Sting and Andy Summers, arranged by Kerry Marsh; “Forward, Like So,” by Julia Dollison; “Otoño” by Vince Mendoza, arranged by von Kampen; “Twisted” by Wardell Gray and Annie Ross, arranged by von Kampen; and “Grow” by Malika Tirolien and Fredy V., arranged by von Kampen.

In addition to performing, students had the opportunity to attend other performances and sessions.

“We saw some other incredible groups,” von Kampen said. “They also got to explore the city a little bit."

Von Kampen said being invited to perform was a “huge honor” for the ensemble.

“The very best ensembles are accepted to perform at this conference, and we were so happy to be among them,” he said.

The ensemble will have two on-campus performances this spring, on March 9 and April 27.

“We’ve been working on the Dallas set since August, so I think everyone is ready to start some new music,” he said.