| Jon Faddis appointed Artistic Director of Chicago Jazz Ensemble | January 3, 2005 | |||
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The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (CJE), in residence at Columbia College Chicago since 1965, announced in October 2004 that it has appointed trumpet virtuoso, composer, conductor and educator Jon Faddis as its new artistic director. "The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is a truly world-class band, and I was honored even to be considered, much less asked, to be its Artistic Director," said Faddis. "My goals are to help raise the profile of the CJE, to further develop its musical excellence, to introduce new music with the band, to provide more opportunities for audience involvement and understanding, and to increase educational outreach to students and Jazz fans of all ages." Both Faddis, as an individual, and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, as a nationally respected hometown institution, possess unique musical experiences. Devoted to teaching the next generation of Jazz musicians and audiences, Faddis frequently conducts clinics and master classes for students of all ages around the world. In recognition of his work, Faddis received the first-ever honorary doctorate in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music (May 2003) and the Milt Jackson Award for Excellence and Accessibility in Jazz (2001); Faddis is also artist-in-residence, professor, and Director of Jazz Performance at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College, SUNY. Dr. Warrick Carter, president of Columbia College Chicago, sees the appointment as a positive step in fulfilling founder William Russo's original vision of the CJE becoming the pre-eminent Jazz organization in the heart of America and acclaimed around the world. "We are very excited to have Jon Faddis joining us as the artistic director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble," said Dr. Carter. "Jon brings a wealth of conducting and performing experiences, international visibility and artistic credibility to this position. Under his leadership, we clearly see the CJE further developing into one of the world's most important large Jazz ensembles." The CJE kicks off its Sixth American Heritage Jazz Series in February of 2005, and performed a 10-week engagement on consecutive Monday nights at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase in Chicago October 11th through December 13th, 2004. For more information, e-mail cje@colum.edu, call (+1) 312-344-6270, or visit the website. Websites:
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