Contemporary jazz saxophonist Tim Warfield Jr. will be visiting Michigan State University College of Music for a weeklong residency supported by a $1 million endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union.
Warfield will teach and work with students through the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program from Feb. 29 to March 6. While in residence, Warfield will instruct, perform and tour with MSU's Jazz Orchestra I during a seven-day “gig” packed with workshops and campus concerts. Warfield and the jazz orchestra will also visit music and jazz programs at public schools and academies in Royal Oak, Spring Lake, Alma and Detroit.
“Tim is a musician whose notoriety isn’t measured by who he’s played with, rather by who has played with him,” said Diego Rivera, MSU assistant professor of jazz studies and saxophone. “However, his lessons of life, dedication and artistry through music are among his most important teachings. His musicianship is surpassed only by his humanity and it’s apparent when students are in his presence.”
Warfield has appeared on television and stage, including the Today Show and Ted Turner's Trumpet Awards. He has also played on several Grammy-nominated recordings. Warfield will perform with MSU Jazz Orchestra I, directed by Rodney Whitaker, at 8 p.m. on March 4 at Fairchild Theatre in the MSU Auditorium. The concert will also include performances from MSU Jazz Orchestras II and III.
“Jazz is all about working together as performers and about mentorship,” said Whitaker, director of jazz studies. “The MSU Federal Credit Union makes it possible for us to reinforce that tradition, and to provide our students with world-class experiences.”
Tickets are available from the College of Music box office located in Room 102 of the Music Building, over the phone at 517-353-5340, online, or at the door one hour before the performance. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and free for students with an ID or those under 18.