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Student accomplishments
Mike Gillespie - Completed first album / won solo chair in Glenn Miller ghost band / CURRENTLY TOURING INTERNATIONALLY WITH ELF THE MUSICAL
barron ryan - completed first album Mike Beavers - member of Justin exit corey Wilson - member of david whiteman band
anthony nagid - director of music victory cruise lines jemar poteat - music director at people's church
Jonathan mosesman - Appointed Lead Trumpet in the UNT 4 O'Clock jazz band at UNT
David leach - featured on david letterman David leach and Kate dinsmore - featured at jaz z in june 2016
Christi Wans - touring with kinky boots
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FOR COVID INFO
EMAIL JAY WILKINSON AT
JAZZPROF@OU.EDU
EMAIL JAY WILKINSON AT
JAZZPROF@OU.EDU
University of oklahoma Jazz program
The origin of the OU Jazz Program, in its current form, can be traced back to the late 1980’s when the bass professor, John Williams, agreed to direct the jazz band. Williams built the library, prepared the band for concerts, and almost immediately, began taking the group to regional jazz festivals.. Soon a second band was needed. Before long, both bands were traveling and the top band became one of the most appreciated ensembles at the Wichita Jazz Festival, always receiving standing ovations following performances. On the wave of his success, Williams created a jazz improvisation class, a jazz history class, a jazz arranging class and a chamber jazz class.
In 1998 John Williams retired and was succeeded by Mr. Jay Wilkinson, a graduate of the university. Wilkinson quickly brought to the program his love for progressive jazz redefining the two bands as a literature band and an experimental band. He also established a vocal jazz component, strengthened the chamber jazz area, initiated the university’s first jazz recitals, and broadened the scope of the program by integrating the independent study course more fully for students with unique interests. The following features are a result of Jay's steadfast commitment and the support of the OU School of Music: Students can receive large ensemble credit for participation in jazz band. The OU Jazz Program received the Joni Rice Memorial Jazz Education Fund which is the primary financial backing for guest artists, travel, and program expenses. Soon, the OU School of Music will offer a BMA and BFA degree with an emphasis in jazz studies.
In 1998 John Williams retired and was succeeded by Mr. Jay Wilkinson, a graduate of the university. Wilkinson quickly brought to the program his love for progressive jazz redefining the two bands as a literature band and an experimental band. He also established a vocal jazz component, strengthened the chamber jazz area, initiated the university’s first jazz recitals, and broadened the scope of the program by integrating the independent study course more fully for students with unique interests. The following features are a result of Jay's steadfast commitment and the support of the OU School of Music: Students can receive large ensemble credit for participation in jazz band. The OU Jazz Program received the Joni Rice Memorial Jazz Education Fund which is the primary financial backing for guest artists, travel, and program expenses. Soon, the OU School of Music will offer a BMA and BFA degree with an emphasis in jazz studies.
