This author has yet to write their bio.Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud Galen Demus contributed a whooping 40 entries.
From the Archives: ‘Lush Life’, Celebrating the Life of Billy Strayhorn, was recorded in 2016 as a tribute to Billy Strayhorn’s 100 year centennial. Highlights include the musical direction for the show from pianist Dan Nimmer, contributions from renowned vocalist and brilliant pianist himself Johnny O’Neal, swinging solos from Wynton Marsalis, and the Jazz at […]
“My grandmother played the piano, and I used to toddle over there and pick out little things that sounded good to me.” — BILLY STRAYHORN A detailed look at the story of the great 20th century classical and jazz pianist and composer. Best known for his long-time collaboration with Duke Ellington, Strayhorn composed Take the […]
On July 23rd, Jazz Education Coordinator Galen Demus gave a presentation titled Billy Strayhorn: the Man and His Music, to the virtual camp participants at the Litchfiueld Jazz Camp in Connecticut. The one hour power point presentation gave the camp participants a glimpse into the courageous life and incredible artistic output of Billy Strayhorn. Thanks […]
14 year old Tianna Mickens first studied piano and ballet with American Ballet Theatre for five years. She found her love for drums in fourth grade when she joined band at school. She has been playing drums for five years. She is part of the school band and the jazz band. Tianna also performed with […]
Led by world renowned trumpeter and educator Terell Stafford, the Temple University Jazz Band carries with it a stellar reputation for musicianship and jazz studies. This year, we congratulate our 2020 Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Scholarship Award recipient, Mr. Patrick Hill. Patrick plays alto saxophone and completed his undergrad at another prestigious jazz music institution, […]
The Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma is honored to share an exclusive live recording of Billy Strayhorn’s iconic jazz standard Take the “A” Train as part of WhyHunger’s SongAid campaign. Leveraging the power of music, SongAid unites musicians and technology companies to bring awareness to complex economic, social, and environmental issues surrounding equitable access to nutritious food, and helps […]
Great music and great movies can still be made — even if you’re sheltered in place. Paul Glenshaw offers that chance with his YouTube channel “The Seven Tones Project.” Paul is an artist, film maker, author and educator with more than 25 years experience working across disciplines in the arts, history and sciences. He hopes to […]
Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as “JAM”) was first established in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate […]
Billy Strayhorn’s music has been an essential part of composer, arranger and pianist John DiMartino’s repertoire since the beginning of his forty-five year professional music career. He recalls, “My first encounter with Strayhorn’s music was through an older cousin who gave me a recording of Chet Baker and Russ Freeman’s version of Lush Life and […]
Year in and year out, The Eastman School of Music Jazz Studies Program is considered one of the best in the country. We are proud to be a scholarship partner with Eastman and its great tradition. This year we congratulate Justice Freeman, trumpeter and first year jazz performance major. Justice is a native of Rochester, […]
