BIG BANDS: ALIVE AND WELL

March 31, April 7, 14, 21 (Tuesdays) 9:30-11:30 am

Attend in person at ISU’s Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal

            OR

Watch Online via Zoom

FEES:

$35 for Senior Professional members (includes all four sessions)

$45 for non-members (includes all four sessions)

For in-person participation, pricing is per person.

For Zoom participation, pricing is one registration per household.

Price includes:

Four 2-hour sessions (one Academy of Seniors class).

$15 single-session option available for in-person attendance (pay at door).

Register online at seniorprofessionals.illinoisstate.edu or call (309) 438-2160.

Zoom participants will receive a Zoom link a week prior to the start of the class(es) and again on the day of each session.

Since the beginning of jazz and throughout the changing times of music (bebop, rock and roll, fusion, etc.), big bands have endured. In this class Orcherton will touch on bands that are continuing the excitement, those that are asking what big band is and how the tradition continues. Artists will include:

Duke Ellington, Count Basie — Often considered the defining sounds of big band. They innovated sounds and styles that are still considered as benchmarks for the genre.

Gordon Goodwin — Considered a strong revitalizer of the style, bringing in new audiences.

Kenny Wheeler — His unique perspective has permeated composition, arranging and

improvisation for a large ensemble.

Darcy James Argue — Following in the steps of all the previous groups, this group is on the forefront of what a big band can be.

Jenelle Orcherton, Artistic Director/Founder, Champaign-Urbana Jazz Festival