13th ANNUAL LWC JAZZ FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 8th, 2020
Lincoln-Way Central High School
Admission: $6/Adults, $4/Students, Seniors
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Chip McNeil, Director
Lincoln-Way Central High School
Admission: $6/Adults, $4/Students, Seniors
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Chip McNeil, Director
TODAY'S GUEST ADJUDICATORS:
MARK COLBY
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1949, Mark comes from a musical background, as his father was a professional musician (drummer) who played with Benny Goodman for a time in the ‘40’s. At the age of eight, Mark was given a clarinet and lessons with a wonderful teacher by the name of Bill Schlagel, who emphasized the importance of proper technique and sound. At age eleven, Mark took the next step in his evolution, saxophone, and thus began his life-long love affair. Immersed in the sounds of the big bands enjoyed by his father, intrigued by the more modern sounds of bebop, cool and hard-bop records his sister played around the house, his dedication to pursuing a life in music was cemented.
In 1962, his family moved to Miami, Florida, where he began playing professionally at age 14. On Miami Beach, he had the opportunity to play shows with popular acts, including Tony Bennett, Sonny and Cher, Bill Cosby, Ann-Margret and Sammy Davis, Jr., with seasoned musicians. He was for many years the youngest guy on the bandstand, all the while pursuing his desire to play all styles of jazz. As a high school student, he studied with James Casale (co-author of Patterns for Jazz with Jerry Coker.) After high school, Mark attended the University of Miami, enrolling in Jerry Coker’s Jazz Studies program. Studying with Jerry and pianist Vince Maggio had a profound effect on him, as did sitting in with Ira Sullivan since the age of 16. These master musicians provided him inspiration and encouragement, as well as invaluable education in the jazz idiom.
Mark was fortunate to have had the incredible experience of working with legendary baritone sax player Gerry Mulligan while he was artist in residence. While in college, he recorded with the likes of Dr. John, Wilson Pickett, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, and the Bee Gees. After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies, he received a call from Maynard Ferguson inviting him to join his band in New York. After three albums and three years touring as featured soloist and musical director with Maynard, Bob James beckoned, and he became of member of the “James gang.” Bob signed Mark to Columbia Records, beginning his solo recording career. “Serpentine Fire” and “One Good Turn” both sold very well, while he toured for the next six years as a featured member of Bob James’ band. Mark’s tours with Maynard and Bob found him playing jazz festivals and concert halls around the world.
In 1980, Mark moved to Chicago, with its very active music scene. Mark was immediately participating in a recording market that was exploding. Jingles, record dates, and jazz gigs were plentiful. In 1983, he was approached by DePaul University to assume a teaching position as jazz saxophone instructor. In 1998 joined the faculty at Elmhurst College.In the ensuing years, he has played and in some cases toured with such varied luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Jaco Pastorius, Mose Allison, Joe Williams and Charlie Haden. Currently he is performing as a guest soloist and clinician/adjudicator at middle schools, high schools and colleges throughout the United States and Europe, representing Selmer Paris Saxophones and Vandoren reeds. In 2001, he performed Duke Ellington’s version of “The Nutcracker Suite” with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and in 2008 performed Leonard Bernstein’s “Prelude, Fugue and Riffs.” In 1999, Hallway Records released “Reunion” (with Vince Maggio) followed by “Tenor Reference” in 2002, to glowing reviews and appreciative audiences. His last release on Hallway Records was a tribute to Stan Getz entitled Speaking of Stan, which was released in 2006 and went to #3 on the jazz radio charts. During 2007-2010, he appeared at the Chicago, Paradise Valley Arizona Jazz Festival, Evanston, Naperville and Glen Ellyn Jazz Festivals. In 2010 Mark was the artist in residence at the Three Rivers Saxaphone Symposium in PA. Mark appeared in a cameo with Diana Krall in the Johnny Depp movie “Public Enemies,” released in July 2009. His CD on Origin Records, “Reflections” was released in November 2008. In 2010 Mark was one of the people interviewed with his own chapter in Cicily Janus’s new book entitled “The New Faces of Jazz” published by Billboard Press. Currently he has completed a new recording, All or Nothing at All, to be released on his own RCI label in 2016.
PHILIP CREWS
Mr. Crews received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL. He directed the band programs at Thornton High School and is starting his 16th year as band director at Rich Central High School. Crews was recognized in 2009 for excellence in teaching by the Illinois State Board of Education receiving the “Those Who Excel” award and was honored with the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence in recognition of teaching excellence in music education at the 2018 Illinois Music Education Conference. He was inducted into Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity in 2017. Crews was a Birch Creek student in 1989 and is joining us for a 7th season as a faculty member.
YOLANDUS DOUGLAS
Y.L. Douglas Jr., is a Chicago native, alumni of Florida A & M University, (Tallahassee FL.) and Chicago State University (Chicago, IL) with Masters in Music Ed. from Vandercook College of Music (Chicago, IL). Y.L. has been blessed as a musician and an educator.
He currently plays drums with pop legend Barry Manilow in Arenas from Mexico to United Kingdom, from the Hollywood Bowl to Hyde Park Proms in London and from Broadway to a residency in Las Vegas.
Mr. Douglas has appeared and performed on Motion Pictures as U.S. Marshall and Mercury Rising, T.V appearances on Good Morning America, WGN Specials and Documentaries. Musicals as such ‘Purlie’ (Could It Be Magic/The Barry Manilow Song Book), the official “Blues Brothers”, Clint Holmes, “Comfortable Shoes”, the “The official Color Purple Broadway Musical”, His Way Show (the Music of Frank Sinatra), “Ain’t Mis Behavin”, Regina Taylor’s “Crowns” and many more. Y.L. has had the honor of playing all over the globe at various concerts and festivals with some of the industries greats as Melba Moore, Nell Carter, Eartha Kitt, Red Rodney, Leotyne Price, Efaye Butler, Felicia Fields. Bob Mintzer, Joe Williams, Stanley Turntine, Von Freeman, Bunkie Green, Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson, Wycliff Gordon, Vicki Winans, Albertina Walker, Donald Lawrence, Todd Delaney, Fred Hammond, Walter Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, David RothStien, Lines and Spaces, Steel Drum Express, Frank Mantooth Big Band, Rob Parton, and many others. With his busy schedule, Y.L. serves as the drummer for the 10,000 seat Mega Church, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago (House Of Hope) in Chicago.
As an educator, now in his 25th year, Mr. Douglas serves with passion and leadership. He has acquired over 17 million dollars in Talent Scholarships for his students to Colleges and Universities across the United States. His vitae includes performances at the 2012 Olympics in London, Chic Fil A Bowl, 2009, 2008 Presidential Inaugural Band Festival in Washington DC Bud Billiken Parade, Thanksgiving Parade other National parades. Grand Champion 2013 Olympian Band Festival, Grand Champion 2013 Chicago Football Classic. Under his leadership there have been consecutive all state representation at the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-State Conference in Peoria, Illinois. Bands under the leadership of Mr. Douglas have been given consecutive superior ratings by Illinois High School Association (IHSA) in Concert Band and Jazz Band.
Over time Mr. Douglas has been nominated for awards such as Golden Apple (2007) and Teacher of the Year (2010). He was awarded been awarded Proclamation from the State of Illinois by Governor Rod Blagoaevich (2010) and The City of Richton Park by Mayor Rick Rienbold (2011). Mr. Douglas received the Rainbow Push MLK Push to Excel Leadership Award (2010) by Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr, and a host of many other awards. He has been honored to present and perform at the Midwest International Band Clinic (2009, 2016, 2017, 2019), Jazz Educators Network (2013 & 2016) ILMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association State Conference (2010 2016, 2017, and 2019,) and a host of national and international workshops and conferences. Mr. Douglas recently served as the Director of Bands for Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL. His program continues to thrive with leadership, pride and legacy.
Through it all, Mr. Douglas has remained humble and grateful for the talents, opportunities, friends and experiences God has placed in his life over the years. He believes and lives by the words in 2 Tim 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved...”.
JARRARD HARRIS
Louisville, Kentucky native and Youth Performing Arts School graduate Jarrard Harris has been performing and teaching in Chicago since 1998. In addition to his own group, he was also a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and has performed nationally and internationally with Joe Lovano, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Louis Bellson, Nicholas Payton, Victor Goines, Nancy Wilson, Antonio Hart, Claudia Acuna, Bill Holman, Etienne, Charles, Gerad Wilson, Bobby Watson, Eric Reed, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and many others. He serves on the adjunct faculty of Northwestern University, Columbia College, and Olive Harvey College, and he is the director of jazz studies for the Chicago Public Schools Advanced Arts Education Program in conjunction with the Thelonious Monk Institute. In the summers he teaches jazz improvisation at the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s summer jazz camp. Harris is a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, where he earned his bachelor of music degree in jazz studies, and DePaul University, where he earned a master's degree in jazz studies.
CHUCK PARRISH began playing trumpet in 1975 and has earned his living as a performer and private teacher for over 35 years. In that time he has performed almost every style of music; from classical to circus, big band to Broadway, and soul to rock and roll. As a teacher he works with students ranging from beginners to professionals. Efficient use of air, smart practice, and passionate performance are vital traits he tries to ingrain in his students. Some of the more notable artists he has performed with are Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, The Chicago Sinfonietta, Jersey Boys, West Side Story, and Aretha Franklin. He performs over 250 shows internationally in addition to a studio of 40 private students per week. Currently he can be seen playing lead trumpet for Maceo Parker: To Ray with Love, a special tribute to Ray Charles, The Ray Charles Orchestra & The Raelettes. Mr. Parrish holds a Master of Music and a post-master’s Certificate in Performance from DePaul University in Trumpet Performance. His undergraduate work was done in music at University of Illinois in Champaign - Urbana studying with Ray Sasaki. Chuck is an S.E. Shires Artist and performs on the handmade Destino III trumpet exclusively. He is also a Hammond Design Artist playing the Chuck Parrish line of custom mouthpieces.
PERRY RASK
Perry Rask is Professor of Saxophone and Coordinator of Woodwinds at Millikin University. His teaching duties include the applied saxophone studio, saxophone quartet, and directing Jazz Band II. Dr. Rask received degrees from the University of Mary, the Conservatoire National de Région de Bordeaux, North Texas State University (UNT), and the University of Northern Colorado. His teachers include Marvin Eckroth, Loran Eckroth, James Riggs, Jean-Marie Londeix, and Roger Greenberg.
Active in both classical and jazz areas of saxophone performance, he performs regularly with regional jazz groups such as Diversity and the Dixie Daredevils, as well as with the Millikin Faculty Jazz Sextet, the Decatur Big Band, and the Decatur Municipal Band.
BOB RUMMAGE
Bob Rummage is director of percussion at Elmhurst and one of the busiest musicians in Chicago. He maintains a versatile schedule of performances with a variety of Chicago ensembles ranging from Rob Parton’s Jazz Tech Big Band to the Mark Colby Quartet to the eclectic styles of Howard Levy. He has performed with many internationally known musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Nat Adderly, Benny Golson, Buddy DeFranco and Bela Fleck. A highly sought-after clinician, Rummage has made appearances at high schools and colleges including the University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, Emporia State, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Music for All camp at Illinois State.
GLENN WILLIAMS has been the Fine Arts Department Chairman at South High School in Downers Grove, Illinois since the fall of 2005. Besides instructional leadership duties with visual art and music at South High School, Mr. Williams also teaches Jazz Lab Band and Wind Symphony. Mr. Williams has held similar positions in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS,) and Highland Park, Illinois (Highland Park HS.) Mr. Williams has spent his summers on the Jazz Faculty of Blue Lake Fine Art Camp and on the Brass/Jazz Faculty of the Indiana University Summer Music Clinic. Mr. Williams toured Europe with the BLFAC International Jazz Ensemble in 2014 and 2017.
As a professional performer, Mr. Williams has performed with numerous entertainment and jazz luminaries, including The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Michael Brecker, Kenny Wheeler, and the Blue Lake Faculty Jazz Sextet. Mr. Williams has also performed with numerous community ensembles including the North Shore Concert Band directed by John Paynter.
Mr. Williams is in demand as a clinician/adjudicator in throughout the Midwest, having recently judged regional and state festivals in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. Mr. Williams has presented clinics at multiple state and national conventions, including conducting the Illinois All-State Jazz Band in January of 2014. Mr. Williams received the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2011 and was a recipient of the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence from the ILMEA in 2017.
GUEST ARTISTS: THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS JAZZ BAND
For over thirty years, the University of Illinois Concert Jazz Band has established a reputation for excellence through performances in Europe, the Soviet Union, and throughout the United States. The University of Illinois Concert Jazz Band under the direction of Professor McNeill has been invited to past IAJE performances in NYC and Montreal, numerous jazz festival performances including The North Texas Jazz Festival (where they won the Dr. Gene Hall award for best big band), The Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, The Elmhurst Jazz Festival and the Northern Colorado Jazz Festival to name a few. Other Significant Past performances include the the Mobile Jazz Festival, the Intercollegiate Jazz Festival at St. Louis, The Millikin Jazz Festival and The Purdue Jazz Festival.
The group also has numerous CD recordings available for sale the latest of which is a double CD entitled “Freeplay” and has garnered critical acclaim. All the compositions and arrangements on “Freeplay” were done by members of the ensemble and some of the compositions/arrangements have won awards including the JEN conference best student jazz composition/arrangement award at the 2011and 2014 JEN conference and an ASCAP best composition award for 2011. The band was also invited to perform at the 2012 and 2014 JEN conferences in Louisville, KY and Dallas, TX, the Midwest band and orchestra clinic for 2011 in Chicago, IL and has previously been invited to perform at the IAJE conferences in New York and Toronto, Canada. Original compositions and arrangements by members of the band are featured on the band’s earlier CD’s “Get Here Sooner”, and “As Of Yet” and our double CD, “Freeplay”. The band has a new CD soon to be released in featuring the U of I jazz faculty and the CJB performing the music of Park “Pepper” Adams-legendary jazz baritone saxophonist.
In addition, the band features Downbeat student award winners in jazz vocal performance and jazz instrumental performance as well as Jazz arranging/composition winners.