Join all of the school’s ensembles, faculty and guests artists in a celebration of improvisatory music.

All concerts free and open to the public.

Schedule:

Steve Wilson and Gary Versace - 12:00pm

Join Steve Wilson and Gary Versace for an intimate duo concert. Steve Wilson has attained ubiquitous status in the studio and on the stage with the greatest names in jazz. A bandleader in his own right, Jazz Times calls him “the consummate saxophonist-composer and “one of the finest alto and soprano saxophonists of our time.” A musician’s musician, Wilson has brought his distinctive sound to more than 100 recordings led by such celebrated and wide-ranging artists as Chick Corea, George Duke, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland, Dianne Reeves, Bill Bruford, Gerald Wilson, Maria Schneider, Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Billy Childs, Karrin Allyson, Don Byron, Bill Stewart, James Williams, and Mulgrew Miller among many others. Wilson has eight recordings under his own name. Grammy-award nominee, Gary Versace, is a DownBeat Critics and Reader’s Poll winner and teaches at the Eastman School of Music.

The Chamber World of Steve Wilson with Diane Monroe - 7:30pm

Joined by Philadelphia’s own, violinist Diane Monroe, Steve explores a variety of music for chamber orchestra. A collaboration with Profs. Paul Bryan and Joseph Hodge, the WCU Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Featuring music by Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, arrangements by Director of Jazz Studies, Jonathan Ragonese, and featuring music from Bird with Strings.