Jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig will mentor students through the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program.
Herwig will instruct, perform and tour with student musicians in the Jazz Studies program over a seven-day period packed with workshops and concerts. The acclaimed musician who has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz will also take to the road with MSU’s Jazz Orchestra I to visit music and jazz programs at public schools and academies in Detroit, Royal Oak, Spring Lake and Alma.
"Conrad Herwig’s residency is an extraordinary opportunity for our students and students across the state to be mentored by a leading jazz artist with strong ties to legendary names in jazz,” says Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. “We’re extremely grateful to the MSU Federal Credit Union for their vision and support that attracts high profile jazz artists to participate in our growing program of jazz studies, performance and tradition.”
Herwig will perform with MSU Jazz Orchestra I, led by Whitaker, in the Pasant Theatre of MSU’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts at 8 p.m March 24. The concert will also showcase performances of MSU Jazz Orchestras II and III.
“Conrad Herwig has that aura of stardom unique to artists who have risen to the top and continue to ascend,” says assistant professor of jazz trombone Michael Dease. “He's performed and collaborated with the best and brightest in jazz, and has a profound ability to pass along what he's learned and experienced as an exceptional jazz educator and mentor.”
New York-based jazz trombonist Herwig has released 20 recordings as a leader in addition to contributing to nearly 200 other recording sessions with some of the most notable artists in jazz, including Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Joe Lovano and Tom Harrell. Herwig received his bachelor’s degree in Afro-Caribbean ethnomusicology from Goddard College in Vermont, and completed his formal studies with a master's degree in jazz studies from Queens College. His professional performance career commenced with big band stints with Clark Terry, Cab Calloway, Buddy Rich, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Mel Lewis. He also worked for a number of years with the Frank Sinatra Orchestra.
Now in its fourth year, the innovative Jazz Artist in Residence program attracts high-level talent and serves as a model for jazz studies programs nationwide. Herwig is the fourth of four critically acclaimed jazz artists in residence at MSU for the 2016-17 season. This season’s versatile lineup provided students and the community an opportunity to listen to and learn from well-known musicians and virtuosos who are equally accomplished as educators, composers and arrangers shaping the world of jazz.
Tickets for Herwig's performance with MSU Jazz Orchestra I are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for students, and are available from the Wharton Center box office only: (517) 432-2000, (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com, or at the door. There will be an additional $3 Wharton facility fee added to the price of the ticket. Tickets and more concert information here.
For more information, including Herwig's residency schedule, go here.
Billboard photo courtesy Martin Cohen