Jazz lovers are invited to “feel the vibes” as the Michigan State University College of Music welcomes its first-ever vibraphonist to campus for an inspired weeklong residency of teaching, touring and performing on campus and in Michigan.

Jazz vibraphonist Stefon Harris will be at MSU from February 21-February 27 to mentor students through the MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program. While in residence, Harris will acquaint students and the community with the versatility of a prominent jazz instrument through a six-day stretch of workshops, campus concerts and outreach. The esteemed vibraphonist and composer will also hit the road with MSU Jazz Orchestra I to work and perform with music and jazz programs at public high schools in Oxford, Plymouth, and Fraser.

“Stefon will lift us all up during these difficult, traumatic times by sharing his vision and profound talents on the vibraphone and marimba,” said Director of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. “He’s energetic, passionate, creative, and an amazing teacher and performer. Stefon is simply an exceptional human committed to the healing power of jazz.”

An immensely talented musician and composer, vibraphonist Stefon Harris also excels as an educator, developer and thought leader. A four-time GRAMMY™ nominee, he is a seven-time Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association, and heralded as “one of the most important young artists in Jazz” by the Los Angeles Times. Harris is the associate dean and director of jazz arts at the Manhattan School of Music, co-developer of a revolutionary ear training software, and sought-after presenter on corporate leadership using jazz as a metaphor. Harris tours worldwide with his bands Sonic Creed, Blackout, and Ninety Miles. His recent album Sonic Creed has been named album of the year by WBGO, the world’s leading jazz radio station.

Harris is the third of the four scheduled jazz artists coming to MSU for weeklong residencies through the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program. The dynamic 2021-22 lineup of working musicians, educators and composers include artists Renee Rosnes, piano (October 2021); Lewis Nash, drums (November-December 2021); Stefon Harris, vibraphone (February 2022); and jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin (March 2022).

Launched in 2013, the pioneering residency program imports high-level talent to spend a week mentoring MSU jazz studies students and K-12 students at schools and academies across the state. Coordinated by the MSU College of Music and supported by a $1 million endowment by the MSU Federal Credit Union, the program follows the jazz tradition of established musicians passing on their knowledge to aspiring musicians, while enriching often resource-strapped jazz programs in urban and rural communities.

Harris’s week-long residency includes performances featuring MSU Jazz Orchestras I, II and III on Friday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Murray Hall. Reserved seating tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $7 for students.

To help maintain a safe concert-going experience, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the concert is required of all attendees ages 12 and up. This policy is part of new university directives for COVID-19 announced Jan. 1. Details can be found on the College of Music’s website under MSU Music COVID-19 directives, along with answers to commonly asked questions on the College’s FAQ webpage.

Information on this and other concerts, recitals and performances can be found on the MSU College of Music website: www.music.msu.edu.
 

Jazz Artist in Residence: Stefon Harris, Vibraphone
Residency Schedule Overview
February 21-27, 2022

See the full bio for Stefon Harris from his website.

An immensely talented musician and composer, vibraphonist Stefon Harris also excels as an educator, developer and thought leader. Harris is the associate dean and director of jazz arts at the Manhattan School of Music, co-developer of a revolutionary ear training software, and sought-after presenter on corporate leadership using jazz as a metaphor. His recent album Sonic Creed has been named album of the year by WBGO, the world’s leading jazz radio station.

• Monday, Feb. 21, Rehearsals and Workshops with MSU Jazz Orchestras and Jazz Area Students
• Tuesday, Feb. 22, Press Day, MSFCU Blue Monday at MSUFCU Headquarters
• Thursday, Feb. 24, Concert and Workshops at Oxford High School, Oxford, Michigan
• Friday, Feb. 25, MSU Murray Hall with MSU Jazz Orchestras, 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 26, Performance at The Village Theatre at Cherry Hill with Plymouth Canton High School
• Sunday, Feb. 27, Workshops and 4:00 p.m. Concert at Fraser High School, Fraser, Michigan