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Evangel Jazz Orchestra welcomes Grammy-nominated composer Steve Wiest

Published on Mar 30, 2016 by Evangel University News

Concert and two master classes will be held on Tuesday, April 5

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University Jazz Orchestra, with guest composer/trombonist Steve Wiest, will perform in concert on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Barnett Recital Hall.

Along with the concert, Wiest will be hosting two master classes:

  • 11 a.m. – Jazz Improvisation Master Class in the choral hall
  • 1 p.m. – Trombone Master Class, also in the choral hall

All events are free and open to the public.

Wiest composed an original tune for this concert, “The Showmeshuffle,” and it will have its world premiere during the concert.

“We are extremely excited to have the great Steve Wiest on our campus and to share the stage with the EU Jazz Orchestra,” said Joel Griffin, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies.

“Wiest is a world class trombonist, composer, educator and band leader that never disappoints. It will truly be the highlight of our semester,” Griffin added.

Weist is a multiple Grammy-nominated jazz composer and trombonist. His path to recognition began with a four-year stint with the legendary Maynard Ferguson. He established his recording career while at the University of North Texas, serving as director of the six-time Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band.®

The Evangel University Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Griffin, performs contemporary compositions as well as jazz classics and sacred jazz arrangements. The ensemble offers students of all majors the opportunity to experience jazz performance and a variety of jazz styles.

Evangel’s recital hall and the choral hall are located in the Barnett Fine Arts Center, which is just south of the Robert H. Spence Chapel, facing Glenstone Ave.

Live streaming of the concert will be available online at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/16105363 .

Program

  • Just Friends”
  • Beautiful Love”
  • Cute
  • Caravan”
  • On Green Dolphin Street”
  • Cheek to Cheek”
  • The Showmeshuffle”
  • Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most”

Steve Wiest biography

2016-04.05 B&W Steve WiestSteve Wiest is diverse in his areas of creative work, spending time as a recording artist, composer-arranger, science fiction author, cartoonist and educator.

Following his stint as a trombonist and composer with jazz musician Maynard Ferguson, he completed a master’s degree in jazz studies at University of North Texas. Upon graduation in 2007, he joined the faculty there — first as professor of jazz composition, then as director of the legendary One O’Clock Lab Band.®

Next was a 17-year tenure as director of jazz studies and trombone at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. During these years, he began a long and accomplished career as a clinician-guest artist, while becoming a regular with The Doc Severinsen Big Band.

Wiest’s first recording as a leader was “Excalibur: The Steve Wiest Big Band,” and it received excellent reviews:

“On his debut album as a leader, he demonstrates his mastery of his instrument as well as his virtuosity and expansive imagination as a composer and arranger. Although the writing is sophisticated, it’s always tuneful and inviting.” – Jazz Times

The release was followed by five more successful albums as well as tours in the US, UK and Thailand. Wiest now resides in Denver where he is a jazz studies faculty member at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.

For more information, visit www.evangel.edu or contact the Department of Music at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7212.

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WRITTEN BY: Mallory Johnson & Paul K. Logsdon