JAZZ STUDIES AT TSU

| HISTORY | INSTRUCTORS| JAZZ PROGRAM | CONTACT INFO|

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HISTORY

The jazz programs have always been an important part of music at Troy State University. One of the earliest groups of jazz musicians at Troy State was the Wavemen. Organized shortly after World War II, this dance band played primarily the music of the "Big Band" era. The Wavemen performed for University functions and worked throughout the area supplying music for many special events.

With the arrival of Dr. John M. Long as director of bands in 1965, jazz music took many new directions. Dr. Long brought with him a wealth of experience both as a professional musician and as an educator with years of jazz education knowledge. His love of jazz and his talent insured that jazz would be an important element of every music education student's background at Troy State.

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INSTRUCTORS

John Long, Rod Henley, Jim Mahaffey, Marc Dickman, Ralph Ford, Ray Smith and Shane Porter have worked to ensure the growth of the jazz program at Troy State over the past five decades. Faculty members with jazz backgrounds have always been employed to insure the students get a first hand education.

Currently, Director of Bands, Ralph Ford, is directing the Jazz Ensemble I which is open by audition only. The band tours extensively during the spring semester throughout the southeast. Recent tours have included Jacksonville, FL, St. Augustine, Interlochen, Leesburg and a special invitation to perform at the Walt Disney World Resort. Spring 2004 will take the band on the road to Ft. Walton Beach (FL), Crestview, Gulf Breeze, Mobile (AL), Prattville, Birmingham, Cullman and Scottsboro (AL). The band is currently working on its first official compact disc recording in many years.
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JAZZ PROGRAM

Jazz is an important part of the instrumental music program at Troy State University. Jazz ensembles are available by audition for performers with jazz backgrounds. The TSU Jazz Ensemble I is a showcase for jazz activities at TSU. Traveling and performing widely throughout the Southeast, this ensemble is noted for its individual players skills as well as the challenging library. The Jazz Ensemble I annually features performances of student compositions and the best of material from the "Big Band" era to the latest from America's best jazz groups. Students receive instruction in ensemble techniques, improvisation, and jazz styles.

Other jazz ensembles are available for students that have less background, or feel as we do - that every music education student needs to have a working knowledge of this most original of American music styles. These students receive instruction on ensemble techniques, basic improvisation, and basic repertoire of jazz bands.

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FOR INFORMATION

If you would like more information concerning the jazz program at Troy State University,
you can contact us at:
Ralph Ford
tsubands@troy.edu
Director of Bands
Long Hall Band Office 334-670-3281
Troy State University
Troy, AL 36082

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Troy State University has long been the place to begin a successful career as a music educator. There are more active band directors who are Troy State graduates than any other University. A major element in the success of our music education graduates is the balanced program stressed by Troy State. This balance has always included jazz.

If you are a high school senior or a graduate student looking for a place to make the most of your talents, we encourage you to get further information about the Troy State program.