Jazz drummer Harvey Mason will be at the Michigan State University College of Music Dec. 4-10 to take part in the 2017-18 MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program.
Mason is the second of four critically acclaimed jazz artists in residence at MSU for the 2017-18 season, and is the second jazz drummer to participate in the program following Jimmy Cobb in 2015.
Mason will instruct, perform and tour with student musicians in the jazz studies area over a seven-day period packed with workshops and concerts.
The musician, who has worked in straight-head jazz, fusion, television and film, will also take to the road with MSU Jazz Orchestra I with stops at music and jazz programs at public schools and academies in Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Traverse City.
“Our students and aspiring jazz musicians across the state will learn a great deal from this exceptional jazz artist who has worked alongside giants in straight-ahead jazz, fusion and in film and television,” said Rodney Whitaker, director of jazz studies. “Being able to bring high-profile artists like Harvey Mason to MSU strengthens our position as a center for jazz studies and performance, and it’s all made possible through the vision and support of the MSU Federal Credit Union.”
Now in its fifth year, the Jazz Artist in Residence program attracts high-level talent and serves as a model for jazz studies programs nationwide.
The lineup provides students and the community an opportunity to listen and learn from well-known musicians and virtuosos who are equally accomplished as educators, composers and arrangers. The 2017-18 residencies kicked off with Michael Philip Mossman, jazz trumpeter, in October.
Mason will perform with MSU Jazz Orchestra I led by Whitaker in the MSU Fairchild Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 8. The concert will also showcase performances of MSU Jazz Orchestras II and III.
Following Mason, Helen Sung, pianist, and Steve Wilson, saxophonist will heat up the winter through separate, weeklong residencies.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students. They are available from the College of Music box office located in Room 102 of the Music Building, over the phone at (717) 353-5340, online or at the door one hour before the show.