Performing and Fine Arts
April 3, 2018
The University of Portland 54th Annual Jazz Festival takes place April 11 and 12 as bands from all over the region come together to perform and express their love of jazz music.
The Festival showcases excellent student musicians as well as guest artists from around the nation, all contributing to a vibrant festival of jazz and the celebration of music performance and education on campus. Since it began, the Festival has grown in size every year, becoming known as a premier student jazz event in the Pacific Northwest.
"This festival is a long-standing tradition here at UP and we are very fortunate to connect with local and regional communities," stated Matthew Postle, assistant professor of music. "We have the opportunity to showcase UP, what the arts mean to us on campus, and as well our exceptional student performers."
For the first time in the 54 years of the Jazz Festival at UP, students will participate in an Oregon Music Educators Association (OMEA) Jazz Festival, which is a qualifier for state championships here at UP.
Throughout the two days, there will be twenty-two middle school and high school bands performing, each band consisting of sixteen to eighteen musicians. In addition to this, the UP Jazz Ensemble will perform both days.
The goal of the event is to ensure that every participant leaves the Festival energized, with a greater appreciation and knowledge for the art of jazz music and performance.
"Beyond the performance experience, students will work and learn from national and international clinicians during the Festival," said Postle. "Participants will also have the opportunity to listen to other groups perform, and as well our UP Jazz Ensemble at the end of each day."
The featured artist set to perform is trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, whom Professor Postle describes as "one of the most innovative and recognized international jazz artists today." Jensen was born in Vancouver and raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She graduated from Berklee College of Music before jumpstarting her now very successful career. She has appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” performed with Grammy winner Terri-Lyne Carrington, and recorded with Sarah McLachlan. On top of all this, she also leads her own quintet, quartet, and organ trio.
Other artists that will be present as special guests and adjudicators are saxophonist Mary-Sue Tobin, guitarist Dan Balmer, and drummer Alan Jones, all three artists who are well-known in the local Portland jazz community.
There are many highlights during the Festival but one that will stand out this year is the UP Jazz Ensemble's performance of one of Ingrid Jensen's pieces. "For me as the director, I am excited to be conducting Ingrid's beautiful composition 'At Sea,'" said Postle. "It is a moving, engaging, and challenging piece of music that will push our students to the next level and give them a unique insight in to the world of composition in modern jazz."
Beyond this performance, other highlights of the event will be seeing the hard work of all the musicians come to fruition through their performances and seeing the dedication of band directors to not just jazz or music, but the education of the arts.
"Jazz is a communal experience, not just for the performers, but as well the audience," added Postle. "We hope to see lots of UP students, faculty, and staff out supporting the young musicians participating at our festival."
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