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Jazz Music at UW-L

Jazz Ensemble I

Jazz I at UW-L is a nationally recognized Jazz Ensemble that presents the finest in Big Band Jazz. This ensemble performs challenging music encompassing all styles of jazz from swing to fusion. Jazz I performs extensively both on and off campus, averaging seven concerts throughout the school year. One of the year's highlights is the band's performance at UW-L's annual jazz festival, "Winterfest," providing students the opportunity to work with professionals such as Randy Brecker, Ed Soph, Clark Terry and many other jazz artists. The ensemble tours each spring and attends a major jazz festival every four years.

Jazz Ensemble II

Jazz II is the University's second jazz band. Like Jazz I, this ensemble performs all styles of jazz. Most freshman enroll in Jazz II for their first collegiate jazz experience. Students participating in this ensemble develop skills in jazz styles and improvisation. jazz II performs concerts on campus both semesters and tours in the Coulee Region during the spring semester.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

This select mixed ensemble provides students the opportunity to perform music written in the jazz and pop styles. Students participating in Vocal Jazz develop skills in improvisation and solo singing. The group tours annually during the spring semester.

Jazz Combos

All students have the opportunity to participate in jazz combos. Ensembles are organized based on students' musicianship and class schedules. Combos generally rehearse two hours a week. Student combos have the opportunity to perform each week as a part of the jazz series held in the student center grill, "The Cellar."

Jazz History

A course in Jazz History is offered each year and is open to all students. This course is a chronological study of the history of jazz from its African roots to the present. Emphasis is placed on listening to major jazz masters. Concentrated study and readings are focused on the lives and music of jazz greats, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

Jazz Improvisation

Two courses in jazz improvisation are offered each year. Jazz Improvisation I involves the study and application of the theoretical, technical and performance aspects of jazz improvisation. Jazz Improvisation Ii is a continuation of the principles and techniques of Jazz Improvisation I, but at a higher performance level.

Jazz Faculty:

Dr. Greg Balfany
Dr. Balfany is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Idaho, Master of Music from the University of New Hampshire and his Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Balfany is active as a music educator, giving workshops, clinics and performances throughout the Tri-State area.

He performs extensively as a clarinet and saxophone soloist in both classical and jazz contexts and has appeared locally with the La Crosse Symphony and the La Crosse Concert Band. Dr. Balfany has performed with Randy Brecker, Bob Hope, Frank Wess, Red Skelton, Marvin Stamm, and many other artists. He directs the 17-piece Great River Big Band in addition to leading his own jazz quintet.

Dr. Balfany's University responsibilities include clarinet and saxophone instruction and directing Jazz Ensemble 1.

Ms. Karyn Quinn
Ms. Quinn received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and her Masters in String Bass Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.

She has performance experience in both orchestral and Jazz areas. Ms. Quinn's jazz performance experience includes appearances with artists Ernie Watts, Diane Schuur, Clark Terry, James Williams, Red Rodney, Jiggs Wigam, Donald Harrison, and Marvin Stamm. In 1988 she was awarded a Jazz Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts to study with bassist Rufus Reid.

She maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, free-lance bassist and author. Her electric bass method books, Bass Sessions,are published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company.

Ms. Quinn's University responsibilities include acoustic bass and electric bass instruction, directing Jazz II and Vocal Jazz and teaching Jazz History and Improvisation.

Dr. Christopher Frye
Christopher Frye, Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Theory/Composition program at UW-La Crosse, is a composer and pianist with degrees from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and the College-Conservatory of Music at The University of Cincinnati. He has written music for chorus, voice, piano, instrumental chamber groups, jazz bands, marching band, orchestra and tape and electronics. He has received several commissions and awards for his music which is published by Hal Leonard, Alliance Music and Conners Publications.

As a jazz pianist Dr. Frye has performed with many top artists including Bob Hope, Marv Stamm, Red Skelton, Tom Scott, Jim Pugh, Wayne Andre, Cozy Cole, Roland Vasquez, Frank Wess and Ed Soph. He is currently pianist with the Great River Big Band in La Crosse and he has given numerous concerts and clinics around the area.

Dr. Frye teaches written theory, aural skills, music technology and jazz piano instruction.

Janette Hanson
Janette Hanson is a vocal jazz instructor.

For more information contact:

Dr. Gregory Balfany, balfany.greg@uwlax.edu
Department of Music
UW-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-8409

 

UW-La Crosse Home Page

 

Please feel free to contact the Music Department with any questions you might have about our degree programs and courses. We would be happy to answer you questions as well as give you a tour of our facility. For more information, please contact:

Dr. Greg Balfany,
Music Department Chair
UW - La Crosse
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-8409