‘A Jazz Cornucopia’ —University of Minnesota Jazz Ensemble I in ‘Jazz from J to Z’ Concert Oct. 15

The University of Minnesota Jazz Ensemble will present “A Jazz Cornucopia” Thursday October 15 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, co-presented by the TCJS “Jazz from J to Z” concert series. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is free.

Dean Sorenson, the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota as well as a prolific and highly sought-after composer, arranger, trombonist, educator, and clinician, directs the Jazz Ensemble I. Sorenson received his bachelor’s degree in trombone performance from the University of Minnesota and his master’s degree in jazz arranging and composition from the Eastman School of Music.

This program will be wide and varied, featuring classic writers such as Billy Strayhorn and Thad Jones, contemporary classics like Sammy Nestico and Bill Holman, and even a student chart or two. Jazz encompasses so many different styles and genres, and it is important for both students and audiences do develop and appreciation and understanding of this broad musical palette we call jazz. Soloists will be featured in all sections as Jazz I kicks off its concert season.

—Dean Sorenson, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota