Mission Statement:
The Mission of the FSU High School Honors Jazz Band is to cultivate an understanding of the history, literature and creative aspects of Jazz music through performances, clinics and other worthwhile activities. This is a unique ensemble of highly motivated High School students from the Tallahassee and surrounding North West Florida region. Students will meet regularly to study the fundamental aspects needed for a superior performance. Students will also premier newly composed works for Jazz ensemble by notable arrangers and composers. Lastly, This ensemble will work towards the goal of traveling outside of the Tallahassee area for national and international performance experiences.

Directors: Rodney Jordan and Benjamin Strickland

Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies, Rodney Jordan joined the FSU faculty in 2001. Mr. Jordan studied Jazz with London Branch, Alvin Fielder, and Andy Hardwick and was assistant principal bassist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Later Jordan chaired the string department in the Dougherty County Public School System and was principal bassist with the Albany Symphony. His string orchestras have consistantly received superior ratings in local and national music festivals. After moving to Atlanta, Jordan continued his work in music education while becoming one of the city's most active jazz bassists, performing and recording with some of America's finest jazz musicians, including Marcus Printup, Mulgrew Miller, James Williams, Milt Jackson, George Coleman, and Russell Gunn. He is featured on Gunn's recent Atlantic Records recording, Ethnomusicology, Volume 1, which was nominated for a grammy as Best Contemporary Jazz Recording. Prior to joining the faculty at FSU, Mr. Jordan taught jazz bass at Georgia State University.

Mr. Benjamin Strickland, originally from North Carolina, attended Greensboro College where he earned a Bachelors of Art in Music, with a concentration in Trumpet Performance. While there he studied under Benjy Springs, director of bands, famed jazz educator, performer and clinician. Mr. Strickland has performed with numerous Big Bands and Jazz Ensembles including the Guy Lombardo Royal Canadians. He is also a very active member in IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education). Currently he is working towards the Masters degree of Jazz Studies at Florida State University where he is a recipient of a commission from The Commission Project.

Schedule:

ALL REHEARSALS ARE MANDATORY

Tentative Calendar

• January 6th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• January 13th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• January 20th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• January 27th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• Friday February 1st Concert 8:00pm Opperman Music Hall
• Saturday February 2nd
  • Master Class 10:00am – 11:30am
  • Master Class 5:00pm – 5:45pm
  • Concert 8:00pm Opperman Music Hall
• Febuary 10th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• Febuary 17th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• Febuary 24th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• March 2nd Rehearsal 5:30pm
• March 9th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• March 23rd Rehearsal 5:30pm
• April 6th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• April 13th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• April 20th Rehearsal 5:30pm
• April 27th Pizza Party
  
• Concert w/ Fred Wesley TBA

Auditions:

Auditions for 2007-2008 are now concluded. Congratulations to selected members (PDF)!

Contact Information:

Supporters:

Supported in part by The Commission Project, Inc. http://www.tcp-music.org/