Michigan jazzed up last year. And thanks to a $1 million endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, the Michigan State University College of Music will shine with a stellar lineup for the second year of the jazz studies artist-in-residence program that runs from October through March.
The MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program represents the largest-ever investment in the college’s curriculum and provides one-on-one instruction, collaboration and performance opportunities with the world’s best jazz musicians. Fueled by last year’s momentum, the 2014-15 program features a blazing line-up of critically acclaimed musicians from the international, national and regional scene, including Christian McBride, Robin Eubanks, Peter Bernstein and Michigan jazz icons Tim Froncek and George Benson.
“Because of the generous gift from the MSU Federal Credit Union, we can provide unforgettable musical and educational experiences for our students and for thousands of people across Michigan,” said James Forger, dean of the MSU College of Music. “The effect of this generous investment in our curriculum will be profoundly felt for generations.”
Jazz bassist Christian McBride will be the first of five scheduled artists for residencies this academic year, and will be with MSU jazz studies from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. McBride is one of the premier jazz bassists in the world, as well as a composer, arranger, educator, curator and administrator. While at MSU, McBride will teach College of Music students and perform for the public. McBride performs with MSU Jazz Orchestra at 8 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium. His residency will also involve visiting high school and middle school jazz programs across the state. Jazz Orchestra I, the college’s premier student jazz ensemble, will tour with McBride.
Trombonist Robin Eubanks and guitarist Peter Berstein follow in the line-up of international jazz artists in residence at MSU in December and March, respectively. Two Michigan jazz icons — Tim Froncek, drummer and George Benson, saxophonist — will also heat up campus in mid-February as a new component of the program showcasing Michigan artists.
“The credit union’s gift catapults us to the top five or 10 jazz programs in the country,” said Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. “It’s made us more visible. We’ve become a model. Every jazz program director I know is asking how we do what we do.”
In the first year of the MSUFCU program in 2013-14, guest artists Antonio Hart, saxophone; Jon Faddis, trumpet; and Jeff Hamilton, drums, lit up the campus and community with weeklong residencies that involved student workshops, concerts, events and outreach to 7,850 students and adults in communities and schools across the state.
“Integrating arts and culture along with economic development helps to create an enriched community,” said Patrick McPharlin, president and CEO of MSUFCU. “This gift will also provide opportunities for students and the community to experience world-renowned jazz artists close to home.”