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The Whitworth Jazz Ensemble is one component of the jazz studies program at Whitworth College. Directed for the past 11 years by Dr. Dan Keberle, the group is one of the Northwest's finest college bands. In 1993, 1995, and 1999 they were one of two jazz bands selected from colleges and universities in the six northwest states to perform at the All-Northwest Music Educators Festival. They were also the top scoring band at the 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1994, and 1990 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festivals, and have been listed in Jazz Times magazine as one of the top jazz education programs in the country.
The 18-piece group performs several concerts each year on campus, as well as jazz festivals, public schools, civic events, and on annual tours throughout the U.S. During January 1991 and 1994 the group traveled to Germany to perform with the Munich University of Music jazz students. During January 1993, 1996, and 1999 they traveled to Italy for 13 days at the invitation of the American University of Rome and performed several concerts with top Italian jazz recording artists. In 1997, they gave nine performances in Australia at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and in the surrounding area. Over the past years, the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble has performed in standing-room-only concerts with guest artists Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Phil Woods, Slide Hampton, Gene Harris, Marshal Royal, Carl Fontana, Bill Berry, and Roberto Gatto. |
