An astonishing lineup of jazz artists will swing into Michigan to teach, mentor and perform from October to March through the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program coordinated by the MSU College of Music.

The College’s innovative residency program was made possible by a $1 million endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union. Now in it’s fourth year, the program continues to attract high-level talent and serves as a model for jazz studies programs nationwide. The 2016-17 program features a blazing lineup of working musicians, educators and composers who draw on the jazz tradition, and includes Russell Malone, Rufus Reid, Anat Cohen and Conrad Herwig.

“Jazz is one of America’s greatest artistic treasures,” says James Forger, dean of the MSU College of Music. “Thanks to the incredible vision and generosity of the MSU Federal Credit Union, MSU is becoming a center of jazz education, innovation and study that helps ensure that current and future generations can experience this evolving and vibrant art form.”

Jazz guitarist Russell Malone will be the first of four scheduled artists for residencies this academic year, and will be with MSU Jazz Studies from Oct. 10-16. The fluid and lyrical guitarist often plays in a swinging, straight-ahead style and has received critical acclaim while touring with some of the biggest names in jazz. While at MSU, Malone will mentor College of Music students and perform for the public. Malone performs with MSU Jazz Orchestras I, II and III on Oct. 14, 8 p.m., at Fairchild Theatre, in the MSU Auditorium. He will also visit high schools, art academies and community colleges statewide, accompanied by MSU Jazz Orchestra I, the College’s premier student jazz ensemble.

Following Malone, Bassist Rufus Reid, Clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen and Trombonist Conrad Herwig will heat up the winter and spring through three separate, weeklong residencies. The versatile, inspiring lineup provides students and the community a rare opportunity to listen to and learn from high-energy, well-known musicians and virtuosos who are equally accomplished as educators, composers and arrangers shaping the world of jazz.

“The MSU Federal Credit Union has given us the ability to bring in amazing guest artists and to attract the best and the brightest students and faculty,” says Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. “Their generosity has helped make us a shining star of jazz excellence and education, as well as a destination for jazz artists and jazz lovers world-wide.” 

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 some of the world’s best jazz musicians. In the program’s first year, 2013-14, the College welcomed guest artists Antonio Hart, saxophone; Jon Faddis, trumpet; and Jeff Hamilton, drums. In the second year, 2014-15, the College hosted an equally impressive lineup of Christian McBride, bass; Robin Eubanks, trombone; Peter Bernstein, guitar; and Michigan icons Vincent Bowens, saxophone, and Tim Froncek, drummer. In the third year, 2015-16, the program welcomed a legendary array that included Trumpeter Brian Lynch, Drummer Jimmy Cobb, Pianist Kenny Barron, and Saxophonist Tim Warfield, Jr. The combined weeklong residencies of the 12 artists included workshops, concerts, events and outreach to more than 21,300 students and adults in communities across Michigan.

“Building and maintaining strong, vibrant communities starts with the support of arts and culture,” says April Clobes, president and CEO of the MSUFCU. “This gift to the College of Music helps to strengthen mid-Michigan's presence as an exceptional community by providing astonishing opportunities to experience one of America’s greatest art forms: jazz.”

Media Release (PDF)

2016-2017 Lineup

Michigan State Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence Program

This year’s MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program includes four jazz musicians. Artists will spend a week teaching and touring with the MSU Jazz Studies program, including stops and workshops at various Michigan schools. Campus and the community performances are also instrumental to the program. Artists and their residencies include:

October 10–16, 2016
Russell Malone, jazz guitar 
Malone is a versatile performer with a fluid, straight-ahead style. 
 

December 5-11, 2016
Rufus Reid, jazz bass
Reid is one of today’s premier bassists on the international jazz scene, is firmly established in the education arena, and an accomplished composer.

February 6-12, 2017
Anat Cohen, jazz clarinetist-saxophonist 
Clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen has won hearts and minds the world over with her expressive virtuosity and delightful stage presence.

March 20- 26, 2017 
Conrad Herwig, jazz trombone
Herwig is one of the world’s most complete jazz musicians in performance and jazz educational, including an abundance of composer and arranger credits.