Founded in 1980 by Howard Williams, the WCSU Jazz Orchestra is establishing a reputation as an outstanding large ensemble dedicated to performing the entire canon of big band jazz from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Thad Jones to Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely.
Comprised of the finest undergraduate musicians in the department of music, the band is one of 14 jazz groups within the jazz program at Western Connecticut State University. Under the direction of Dr. Dan Goble from 1994-2005 the band began its investigation of newer composers such as Pat Metheny, Bob Curnow and Jon Fedchock; current director Jamie Begian is continuing this tradition by incorporating some of his own material in “the book” as well as introducing outstanding arrangements and compositions from students/alumni of WCSU.
The Jazz Orchestra has performed throughout the Northeast, including performances at Lincoln Center, The Big E and at the 1998 CMEA Convention in Stamford, CT and the 2007 CMEA Convention in Hartford, CT. In addition, they have backed such artists as Bob Mintzer, Fred Hersch, Conrad Herwig, Jim Snidero, Terrell Stafford, Don Braden, Matt Wilson, Brian Lynch and Eddie Bert.
In May of 2002, the band recorded their first CD and has recently released its second CD consisting of faculty and student compositions for both large and small ensembles.
