Jazz Ensemble Performs with Guest Artist Jon Faddis

On Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., the SDSU Jazz Ensemble will perform with special guest Jon Faddis, an international recording artist and educator, in Smith Recital Hall at SDSU.

The SDSU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Bill Yeager, has a long-standing tradition of inviting special guest artists to play with them twice a year. All guest artists are successful professional jazz musicians who are actively working and performing in the field, which provides the students with an invaluable performance opportunity and audiences with a special concert.

According to Schilke music, Faddis is known throughout the world as one of the most innovative and inspiring jazz trumpeters of our time. He has an unfailing commitment to the education of young musicians and frequently conducts clinics and master classes to help the next generation of jazz musicians.

The jazz ensemble is composed of five trumpets, three trombones, one tuba, five saxophones, piano, guitar, bass and drums.

“This concert is almost completely dedicated to Dizzy Gillespie, the most famous jazz trumpet player in history. When Faddis was a young, up-and-coming jazz musician, he became sort of a Dizzy Gillespie junior,” said Yeager.

Yeager said that in his 35 years of teaching at SDSU, this is one of his best bands and he is excited to play some of the most challenging music he has ever had his band perform.

Chaz Cabrera, who plays alto saxophone in the band, loves the tradition of bringing in guest artists.

“I think it’s wonderful because he (Yeager) doesn’t pull from a singular pool, he pulls from all around the world,” said Cabrera. “It’s great because we get that different type of cultural diversity and range of different perspectives and philosophies on how people approach jazz.”

Along with playing with the Jazz Ensemble, Faddis will be hosting a master class for students majoring in music. This class will allow students an opportunity to learn from one of the best altissimo trumpeters alive, said Yeager.

Tickets are $10 - $20 and can be bought at the box office or online here.

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.