PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS PRESENTS THE 36TH ANNUAL
P URDU EJ AZ ZF ESTIVAL
JANUARY 22 - LONG CENTER Sponsored by
COMMUNITY JAZZ SHOWCASE CONCERT featuring Artist-in-Residence Kirby Fellis
JANUARY 23 - LOEB PLAYHOUSE
YELLOWJACKETS
Friday Headliner Concert
JANUARY 24 - FESTIVAL DAY
PURDUE JAZZ BAND
AFTERNOON CONCERT 12:45 PM - LOEB PLAYHOUSE featuring Artist-in-Residence Kirby Fellis
FINALE CONCERT
7 PM - ELLIOTT HALL OF MUSIC featuring Guest Artist Marshall Gilkes
JANUARY 31 - LOEB PLAYHOUSE
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event featuring Opening Performance by the Purdue Jazz Band
WELCOME FROM THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
It is with immense joy that I welcome you back to the beautiful campus of Purdue University. My journey with this festival spans nearly three decades—beginning as a middle school bassist, then as a novice high school band director, and eventually as a veteran director who witnessed firsthand the transformational impact this event has on students and educators alike.
The Purdue Jazz Festival was always a highlight of my year as a middle school or high school student marveling at the live performances or as a director watching my students grow through inspiring clinics led by world-class jazz artists. Today, I am honored and humbled to continue leading this remarkable tradition for the second time as the Director of Jazz at Purdue.
Last year, my hope was that we could create memories that would last a lifetime—and we certainly accomplished that when an unexpected winged guest, a bat, joined our finale concert and swooped over the stage and audience as the music continued. It was a moment none of us will ever forget, and a reminder that live jazz always brings surprises (but hopefully not rabies).
This year’s festival promises its own unforgettable experiences. We are thrilled to offer an outstanding lineup of clinics and performances featuring renowned artists including the YellowJackets, Marshall Gilkes, Kirby Fellis, Monika Herzig, Natalie Boeyink, Karina Colis, and our very own Purdue Jazz Band students. During the Thursday and Saturday concerts, our guest artists will play alongside Purdue University’s premier jazz ensemble, the Purdue Jazz Band—one of seven jazz ensembles offered at Purdue University. We hope you can join us next Saturday, January 31st right back here in Elliott Hall as the Purdue Jazz Band opens for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis!
We are also proud to once again host Indiana’s Essentially Ellington Regional at the Purdue Jazz Festival, presented in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Lauren Sevian and John Reynolds, our EE ambassadors, for adjudicating and leading clinics for our participating bands today.
New this year, we want to welcome Music For All as the title sponsor! Their mission to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music is the perfect partnership for what Purdue Jazz Festival seeks to provide each and every year!
The Purdue Jazz Festival is more than a series of performances and clinics—it is a celebration of community. We are deeply grateful to all adjudicators, band directors, students, and concertgoers who join us each year. Your passion and commitment to jazz are what make this event so special. Thank you for performing, learning, listening, and supporting the music we all love.
A special thank-you goes to the dedicated Purdue Bands & Orchestras faculty and staff, and to the hundreds of PBO student volunteers whose behind-the-scenes efforts bring this festival to life each year. Their hard work makes all of this possible.
On behalf of everyone at Purdue Bands & Orchestras, I wish you a weekend filled with growth, inspiration, and—above all—joy through music and connection. May you leave with new friendships, unforgettable memories, a deep sense of pride in how far you’ve come as a jazz musician, and a renewed excitement to keep exploring this remarkable art form.
Thank you for being a part of the 36th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival. We are so glad you’re here, and we look forward to sharing this incredible celebration of jazz with you!
With Gratitude,
Bethany Robinson
Clinical Assistant Professor Director of Jazz Purdue Bands & Orchestras
PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS
FACULTY & STAFF
Jay S. Gephart.....................................................................................................Director and AI G. Wright Chair
Matthew R. Conaway...............................Professor, Director of the “All-American Marching Band
Dr. Pamela J. Nave................................................................Associate Professor, Director of Percussion
Adam Bodony..........................................................................Associate Professor, Director of Orchestras
Bethany Robinson...............................................Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Jazz Bands
Jarrard Harris..............................................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. David M. Blon.......................................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Lucas H. Petersen.............................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Douglas R. Fletcher.............................................................................................................Director of Operations
Morgan Loetz...............................................Assistant Director of Operations, Director of Auxiliaries
Natalie Hess...........................................................................................................Golduster Dance Team Coach
Jef Furr..................................................................................................................Golden Silks Color Guard Coach
Susan Lipscomb.............................................................................................Senior Administrative Assistant
Kim Delks.........................................................................................................................................Business Assistant
Esther Kirgiss........................................................................................................Director of External Relations
Caitlin Cotten........................................................................Manager of Recruitment & Student Success
Humza Nasir..............................................................................................................................Multimedia Designer
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Mattie Midkiff.............................................................................................................Lead Volunteer Coordinator
Michael Barnhart.................................................................................................Operations Team Coordinator
Lindsey Kamerad................................................................................................Technology Team Coordinator
Audie Wise & Abigail Thomas..............................................Band Host & Ambassador Coordinators
Nadav Shalinsky & Lilly Patterson.................................................Homeroom Volunteer Coordinator
Biddyclair Moore.................................................................Performance Room Announcer Coordinator
John Danison.....................................................................................................................Bus Greeter Coordinator
Isaak Gutierrez......................................................................................................Judges Assistant Coordinator
Ren Bethel.....................................................................................................................................Runner Coordinator
Nathan Garrett............................................................................................................................Shuttle Coordinator
Mei Pitts....................................................................................................................................Elliott Hall Coordinator
ABOUT PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS
Purdue Bands & Orchestras students are some of the most promising individuals on campus. They are bold, hardworking, and determined to succeed in all they do — setting the Boilermaker standard high. With virtually all of our students majoring in a discipline other than music, our members spread the optimistic spirit of Purdue Bands & Orchestras across campus.
The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band (AAMB) is in its 140th season. In addition to performing at every home football game, the AAMB has been the official band of the Indianapolis 500 race since 1919. Internationally, the AAMB has performed recently in China (2008), Colombia (2015), and Ireland (2013, 2018, 2023). Notable alumni include Neil Armstrong, Orville Redenbacher, and Russell Games Slayter.
Purdue Bands & Orchestras also includes various auxiliary groups. The Purdue Twirling program (2022 AYOP Grand National Collegiate Halftime Show Champions), the Golden Silks Color Guard, the Purdue Winter Guard (WGI Winter Guard Independent A Class Bronze Medalists), the Golduster Dance Team, and the Big 10 Flags all support the pageantry and breadth of talent in the department. Any discussion about Purdue would be incomplete without mentioning the World’s Largest Drum, which maintains its reputation as one of the most iconic emblems of Purdue University.
The excellence continues in our indoor ensembles. Almost two-thirds of the department is spread across our eight concert bands, seven jazz bands, and four orchestras. Each ensemble meets 2 to 3 times weekly and performs at least two concerts per semester. In a commitment to providing travel opportunities for our students, many groups have various additional performances around the nation and the world. In March 2026, the Purdue Wind Ensemble and Purdue Jazz Band will travel to Spain with performances in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
Our thriving chamber music program, various jazz combos, and Percussion Ensemble all provide excellent small ensemble performance opportunities to our students. Additionally, three athletic pep bands support our basketball and volleyball teams throughout their seasons.
In 2022, Purdue Bands & Orchestras moved into our new facility, Marc and Sharon Hagle Hall, featured above. Hagle Hall boasts three large rehearsal rooms, 13 practice rooms, faculty studios, and ample student collaboration and study space. This facility is a significant step in supporting the continuous growth of the department.
Through world-renowned performances by 30+ ensembles, Purdue Bands & Orchestras serves as the “Heartbeat of the University” and encourages a lifelong journey with music.
SCHEDULE
ELLIOTT HALL OF MUSIC
9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM
AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM
2:30 PM 3:00 PM
3:30 PM
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
McCutcheon Big Red Jazz Band
Lafayette Jefferson Jazz Ensemble
New Palestine Jazz Orchestra
Oswego Orange Jazz 2
Badger Jazz Ensemble
Oswego Jazz Ensemble 1
Zionsville Green Jazz Band
Noblesville Jazz 2
Beloit Jazz Ensemble
Southport 12 O’Clock Jazz Band
Fishers Jazz Ensemble
Noblesville Jazz 1
Hebron Jazz Ensemble
Beloit Jazz Orchestra
Champaign Central Jazz Ensemble
Valparaiso Jazz Ensemble
Kaneland Jazz Ensemble
Awards & Finale Concert
Purdue Jazz Band with Marshall Gilkes
ADJUDICATORS
Matt Pivec, Todd Williams, Lauren Sevian, John Reynolds
STEWART 218
LOEB PLAYHOUSE (STEW)
9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM
Dundee Crown Jazz Ensemble
Downers Grove North Jazz Ensemble
Franklin Central Jazz Ensemble #1
Avon Jazz Ensemble
Carroll Jazz Ensemble #1
John Hersey Jazz Ensemble
Whitney M. Young Jazz Ensemble
Goshen Red Wire Jazz Strings
Concord Jazz I
Decatur Central Jazz Ensemble #1
Oswego East Jazz Ensemble
Oak Park & River Forest Jazz Ensemble
La Porte Jazz Band
Elkhart Jazz Band 1
Homestead Jazz 1
Perry Meridian Meridian Street Blues
Mundelein Jazz Ensemble
ADJUDICATORS
Shawn O’Connor, Mark Buselli, Marlin McKay 9:30 AM
Wea Ridge MS Jazz Ensemble
Harshman MS Big Band
Noblesville East MS 16th Street Groove
Carmel MS Jazz Band
Noblesville East MS Field Drive Funk
Mt. Vernon MS Jazz Band
Honey Creek MS Jazz Band
Old Quarry MS Jazz II
Jefferson MS Jaz Ensemble
Old Quarry MS Jazz II
Riverside JH Jazz Band
Kent Hickey, Leah Warman, Rob Dixon
ADJUDICATORS
9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM
STEWART 302
Harrison Jazz Band
Tri-West HS Blue Alliance Jazz Band
Oswego East Jazz Band
Champaign Central Stage Band
Greenfield Central Jazz Band 2
Shawano Jazz II
La Porte Jazz Lab Band
Lemont Jazz Band
North Central Jazz Lab Band
Valparaiso Studio Jazz Band
West Aurora Jazz band
Perry Meridian Falcon Jazz Collective
Mundelein Jazz Orchestra
Concord Jazz III
Pike Jazz 2
Penn Intermediate Jazz Ensemble
ADJUDICATORS
Jeff Parthun, Roxanne Stevenson, Matt Murdock
SCHEDULE
FOWLER HALL (STEW)
9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM
1:30 PM 2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM
3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM
5:00 PM 5:30 PM
6:00 PM
Arsenal Tech Freddie Hubbard Big Band
Greenfield Central Jazz Band 1
Downers Grove South Jazz Ensemble
Crown Point Jazz Band
Northrop Jazz 1
West Aurora Jazz Ensemble
Leo Jazz Orchestra
Terre Haute South Jazz Band
Penn Advanced Jazz Ensemble
Castle 12 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble
Floyd Central Gold Big Band
Pike Jazz 1
East Noble Jazz Band
Goshen Advanced Crimson Jazz Ensemble
North Central Jazz Ensemble
Rolling Meadows Jazz Band I
Bloomington North Advanced Jazz Ens.
ADJUDICATORS
Lissa May, Mo Trout, Roosevelt Griffin
ADMISSIONS THEATER (STEW)
9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM 2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM
5:30 PM
Oswego Jazz Combo
Whitney M. Young Combo 1
George Washington Jazz COmbo
Whitney M. Young Combo 2
Oak Park & River Forest Jazz Combo
Arsenal Tech Tech Titans Jazz Combo
Oswego East Jazz Combo
Pike Jazz Combo
Champaign Central New Street Combo
Mundelein Jazz Combo
Bloomington North Combo A
Bloomington North Combo B
Bloomington North Combo C
Bloomington North Combo D
Lafayette Jefferson Jazz Combo
Carroll Jazz Combo
ADJUDICATORS
Gene Markewicz, Alexandra Signor
NORTH BALLROOM (PMU)
9:00 AM
9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM
Tipton Blues Devils
Badger Jazz Workshop
Kokomo Jazz Kats
Zionsville Silver Jazz Band
Owen Valley Big Band
Lafayette Jefferson Jazz Lab
Champaign Central Lab Band
Bloomington North Studio Jazz Ensemble
Taylor Jazz Band
Shawano Jazz I
New Palestine Jazz Ensemble
Concord Jazz II
Valparaiso Lab Jazz Band
Decatur Central Jazz 2
Southport Banta Blues
Goshen Crimson Jazz Ensemble
ADJUDICATORS
Jim Butz, Chelsea Hughey, Lenny Foy
ANNIVERSARY DRAWING ROOM
(PMU)
9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM
Fishers Jazz Ensemble 2
West Lafayette Jazz Ensemble
DeKalb Jazz Too
Lebanon Jazz Ensemble
Washington Township Senator Jazz
DeKalb Jazz One
Greenfield Central Jazz Band 3
Rolling Meadows Jazz Band II
Arsenal Tech Phil Ranelin Big Band
Rolling Meadows Jazz Combo 2
Champaign Central Lynn Street Combo
Champaign Central Park Street Combo
Rolling Meadows Jazz Combo 1
Snider Jazz Combo
Noblesville Jazz Combo
Cascade Jazz Ensemble
ADJUDICATORS
Sophie Faught, Scott Pazera
CLINICS & CONCERTS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
All clinics will be held in PMU 240 (East Faculty Lounge) and last 50 minutes.
10:00 AM Yellowjackets Brass and Woodwinds Masterclass
11:00 AM Yellowjackets Rhythm Section Masterclass
12:45 PM Purdue Jazz Band - Afternoon Concert - Loeb Playhouse
Kirby Fellis, artist-in-residence
1:30 PM Kirby Fellis - Masterclass
2:30 PM Monika Herzig, Natalie Boeyink, and Karina Colis
3:30 PM Jam Session with Purdue Jazz Students and Special Guests
4:30 PM Marshall Gilkes - Masterclass
7:00 PM Purdue Jazz Band - Finale Concert - Elliott Hall of Music
Marshall Gilkes, guest artist
MONIKA HERZIG NATALIE BOEYINK KARINA COLIS
FEATURED ARTISTS & CLINICIANS
KIRBY FELLIS
Kirby Fellis is a captivating Chicago based jazz trombonist, educator, arranger, and composer. He graduated from Michigan State University, and Northern Illinois University. Hailing from South Florida, Kirby has been working with award winning jazz ensembles for over a decade including positions in Florida, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Kirby serves as the Jazz Ensemble Director of Harper College.
As a Trombonist, He has received awards from organizations such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Gold Coast Jazz Society, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, DePauw Jazz Festival. Chicago Jazz Festival, and Jack Rudin Jazz Festival. He has also worked with many award-winning individuals and ensembles such as Darius Rucker, Terrell Stafford, Kurt Elling, Nate Smith, The Tom Garling Jazz Orchestra, and the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
As a Jazz Educator, Kirby is a long-standing member of JEN (Jazz education Network, ITA (International Trombone Association), Birch Creek Music and CYSO (Chicago Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra). Under the tutelage of distinguished jazz educators such as Rodney Whitaker, Reggie Thomas, and Christopher Dorsey. Kirby has become a versatile educator, through clinics, masterclasses, consultations, rehearsal prep, and adjudication. From over a decade of educational experience, Kirby has developed a sound teaching philosophy. Kirby was most recently the All-University Jazz Ensemble Director at Northern Illinois University.
MARSHALL GILKES
Over the course of the past 20 years, Marshall Gilkes has established himself as one of the world’s preeminent trombonists. A nonpareil artist at the forefront of brass playing, his virtuosic command of the instrument, marked by a warm and enveloping tone, Herculean chops, astounding flexibility and awe-inspiring range, place him in a league of his own. He is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media at Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester
Crafting eight albums since 2004, Gilkes has touched on a variety of settings including the compact trio, quartet and quintet formats, a merging of brass octet and jazz combo, and big band. Drawing heavy praise in the process, including a pair of Grammy nominations, he’s cemented his reputation as a composer and leader of great renown. And with his work as a first-call sideman, carried out in parallel to those efforts, Gilkes continuously demonstrates incomparable might and adaptability. His lengthy résumé includes work performing and/or recording with bassist Carlos Henriquez, harpist Edmar Castañeda, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Slide Monsters, bassist Richard Bona, pianist Makoto Ozone and numerous other top-tier musicians and outfits. And through his work with the WDR Big Band and as a longtime member of the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Gilkes has played himself into the rich history of large ensemble music.
A marvel of musicality sought after and highly respected in both the jazz and classical worlds, Gilkes has earned his rightful place in the upper echelon of both realms. Not surprisingly, his vast experience and genre-straddling skills have made him an in-demand educator. At various points in his career, Gilkes has served on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory of Music. In addition, he’s shared his knowledge and skills through master classes, clinics, guest appearances and teaching at other venerable institutions including the Banff Center, University of North Texas, the Brubeck Institute, Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. An S. E. Shires Artist, Gilkes performs on his signature model trombone—an instrument as versatile as its inspiration.
ABOUT THE PURDUE JAZZ BAND
The Purdue Jazz Band, under the direction of Professor Bethany Robinson, is Purdue University’s premiere jazz ensemble. Consisting of students majoring in virtually every discipline other than music, they spread the optimistic spirit of Purdue Bands & Orchestras through swing and jazz. The Purdue Jazz Band has recently received numerous awards at collegiate jazz festivals, including the North Texas Jazz Festival, the Notre Dame Jazz Festival, and the Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival.
In addition to tours and performances throughout the United States, the band has participated in several international tours since 2000, performing at such prestigious venues as the Montreux, Alpine, and North Sea International Jazz Festivals. They have taken study-abroad tours to Italy (2008), Central and Eastern Europe (2011), Madrid and Barcelona (2015), and Portugal (2017).
In June 2014, Purdue jazz students were invited to join groups and faculty members from William Paterson University and the Berklee School of Music to present clinics and concerts in Colombia as guests and faculty of the Colombo Americano Annual Jazz Camps in Medellin and Manizales.
This honor was given again in 2023 when a combo from the Purdue Jazz Band was invited to help lead the Colombo Americano Camps for a second time. This experience occurred only weeks after the full ensemble performed at venues across Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
In March 2026, the Purdue Jazz Band will return to Spain for a joint trip with the Purdue Wind Ensemble, featuring performances in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
The Purdue Jazz Band has performed with numerous world-renowned jazz artists in past years, including Camille Thurman, Michael Rodriguez, Marlin McKay, Nick Finzer, Erica von Kleist, Wycliffe Gordon, Bob Mintzer, Donny McCaslin, Eric Marienthall, and Allen Vizzutti, to name a few.
COMMUNITY JAZZ SHOWCASE CONCERT
Thursday, January 22th - 7:00 PM
Long Center for the Performing Arts Lafayette, Indiana
FEATURING
MCCUTCHEON HIGH SCHOOL
Matt Skiba, director
WEST LAFAYETTE JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL
Ashley Wening, director
LAFAYETTE JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
Tyler Long, director
HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL
Mia Traverse & Doug Koleszar, directors
PURDUE JAZZ BAND
Bethany Robinson, director
Kirby Fellis, artist-in-residence
PROGRAM
Dimensions in Blue...................................................................................Sammy Nestico
Whatever Lola Wants.................................................Richard Alder and Jerry Ross arr. Frank DeVol
Disapproachment.............................................................................................Frank Foster
The Ponderous Pachyderm of The Planks.......................................Sherman Irby
Portrait of Wellman Braud.......................................................................Duke Ellington Big Bertha..........................................................................................................Duke Pearson arr. Jennifer Wharton
BETHANY ROBINSON
Clinical Assistant Professor Director of Jazz
Purdue Bands & Orchestras
Bethany Robinson is a Yamaha Performing Artist, GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist, NAfME Jazz Council Chair, Past-President of the Indiana Jazz Educators Association, and serves on the Jazz Education Network Executive Board. She joined the faculty of Purdue University as the Director of Jazz in 2024 after building the jazz program at Noblesville Schools from 1 to 6 jazz ensembles, where the top jazz ensemble was a 2-time Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Finalist and Indiana ISSMA Jazz State Honor Band in 2023. She is also the Festival Director for the Purdue Jazz Festival, the largest college-run jazz festival in the country.
Robinson was the 2014 Indiana Jazz Educator of the Year, 2015 Noblesville Teacher of the Year, 2016 Indiana Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist, named a 2022 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association, and the 2023 Indiana Outstanding High School Music Educator of the Year. She is a 2-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow, receiving grants to study jazz and culture in both the US (2011) and Brazil (2019). Bethany has co-led Indiana Jazz Girls Day since 2018, hosting workshops and side-by-side concerts for students around the state of Indiana to elevate student leaders through jazz.
Bethany has been a keynote speaker and presenter around the globe, including the Australia National Band and Orchestra Conference, International Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Glasgow CREATE! in Scotland, and Indiana, Oklahoma, Iowa and New York State Music Educator Conferences. Bethany was recently the guest conductor for the New York, Iowa, and North Carolina All-State Jazz Ensembles, and the chief adjudicator and guest artist for the Victorian Schools’ Jazz Festival in Melbourne, Australia and performed at Jazz Woche Jazz Festival in Hannover, Germany. She is a clinician and adjudicator independently and for Jazz at Lincoln Center, YAMAHA, Music For All, and an avid performer on upright bass, electric bass, and vocals.
SECTION
ALTO SAX
PURDUE JAZZ BAND
HOMETOWN MAJOR
Jeremiah Arona Crown Point, IN
Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Ellen Rath Chesterton, IN Interior Design Professional Program
Elliott Woo Los Angeles, CA Business Analytics & Information Management
TENOR SAX
Moses Colin Chesterton, IN Mechanical Engineering
Seth DeWhitt Sammamish, WA Computer Science
BARI SAX
Johnathan Pletcher Mishawaka, IN Wildlife
TRUMPET
Dan Gui West Lafayette, IN M.S. Computer Engineering
Amelia Jobe Ann Arbor, MI Game Development
Andrew Nguyen Southport, IN M.S. Aviation & Aerospace Management
Jacob Park Round Lake, IL Actuarial Sciences & Applied Statistics
Steven Win Fort Wayne, IN Mathematics
TROMBONE
Macgyver Cottrell Los Angeles, CA Mechanical Engineering Technology
Benjamin Johnston Winter Park, FL Mechanical Engineering
Emma Krueger Overland Park, KS Materials Science & Engineering
Owen Toro Lafayette, IN Pharmaceutical Sciences
BASS TROMBONE
Griffin Fox Grayslake, IL Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
GUITAR
TJ Kay Valparaiso, IN Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
BASS
Jascha Lewit Riverwoods, IL Electrical Engineering
Grace O’Neil Lincolnshire, IL Nuclear Engineering
PIANO
Max Vallone Miami, FL Mechanical Engineering
Michael Wall Western Springs, IL Mechanical Engineering
DRUMS
Asher Beckey Noblesville, IN Pre-Marketing
Carl Nielsen Chualar, CA Agricultural Systems Management
VOCALS
Livy Helmuth Crown Point, IN Environmental & Ecological Engineering
Photos courtesy of
Jolesch Enterprises
SATURDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT
Saturday, January 25th - 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM
Loeb Playhouse - Stewart Center West Lafayette, Indiana
PURDUE JAZZ BAND
Bethany Robinson, director Kirby Fellis, artist-in-residence
PROGRAM
Dimensions in Blue...................................................................................Sammy Nestico
Disapproachment.............................................................................................Frank Foster
The Ponderous Pachyderm of The Planks.......................................Sherman Irby
Big Bertha..........................................................................................................Duke Pearson arr. Jennifer Wharton
Trombonio-Bustoso-Issimo................................William Alonzo “Cat” Anderson
SATURDAY FINALE CONCERT
Saturday, January 25th - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Elliott Hall of Music
West Lafayette, Indiana
PURDUE JAZZ BAND
Bethany Robinson, director Marshall Gilkes, guest artist
PROGRAM
Opening Performance........................Essentially Ellington Outstanding Band
Giant Steps.........................................................................................................John Coltrane arr. James Simmons
Fresh Start......................................................................................................Marshall Gilkes
Big Tiny.............................................................................................................Marshall Gilkes
Portrait of Wellman Braud.......................................................................Duke Ellington
Two-Three’s Adventure........................................................................Carlos Henriquez
Awards Presentation
Puddle Jumping...........................................................................................Marshall Gilkes
ADJUDICATORS
MARK BUSELLI
Director of Jazz Studies, Ball State University. Bach performing artist.
JIM BUTZ
Retired Director of Bands, Ben Davis HS. Freelance trumpet player. Director of the JoySwing Jazz Orchestra.
ROB DIXON
Jazz tenor saxophonist and composer. Artistic Director for Indy Jazz Fest. Jazz saxophone instructor at Northwestern University. Jazz Ensemble director at IU Indy. Performs frequently around the Indianapolis area and abroad.
SOPHIE FAUGHT
Tenor saxophonist, improviser, composer, bandleader, and teacher. Performed in venues across the country and world, including Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Headlined at Portland Jazz Festival
LEONARD FOY
DePauw University Professor Emeritus and Conn Selmer Performing Artist. Birch Creek Music Camp Artist/Faculty,. Inaugural member Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
DR. ROOSEVELT GRIFFIN III
Director of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University. Board of Directors, Jazz Education Network. North Central Division Representative, NAfME Council for Jazz Education, Illinois Music Education Association Jazz Division President-Elect.
KENT HICKEY
Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Butler University and the University of Indianapolis. Co-leader of the HickeyShanafelt 9ollective, an Indianapolisbased jazz nonet. Bach Regional Artist.
CHELSEA HUGHEY
Indianapolis-based jazz drummer, percussionist, and educator. Performs regularly with top artists, holds degrees in music, jazz, and music business, and teaches at Butler, Marian, and in private studios across central Indiana.
GENE MARKIEWICZ
Jazz Drummer. Performs with his ensemble The Gene Markiewicz Band! Inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame in 2011. Artist/Clinician for the Ludwig Drum Company since 1999. Artist/Clinician for Sabian Cymbals and Innovative Percussion.
LISSA FLEMING MAY
Music Education Professor, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Director of the Bloomington Jazz Orchestra. Founder of the Purdue Jazz Festival.
MARLIN MCKAY
Assistant Professor of African American Music History and Jazz Pedagogy, University of Louisville. Nostalgic Records Recording Artist. Hammond Design Brand Ambassador.
DR. MATTHEW MURDOCK
Director of Bands at the Sycamore School. Freelance trumpet artist/ clinician.
DR. SHAWN O’CONNOR
Associate Professor & Department Chair, Marian University. Yamaha Performing Artist. Vandoren Artist Clinician. Director of Swing Shift Indy Big Band
JEFFREY PARTHUN
Jazz /concert percussionist. Retired band director with over 40 years in the classroom. Conductor for Purdue Bands and Orchestras.
SCOTT PAZERA
Director Wabash College Jazz Ensemble since 2012. Former Clinical Professor of Jazz at Purdue University, Assistant to Lafayette Jefferson HS Jazz Ensembles
MATT PIVEC
Director of Jazz Studies, Butler University
DR. LEXIE SIGNOR
Freelance Lead Trumpeter. Studio musician. Author of “A Practical Guide to Big Band Terminology and Symbols.” Marcinkiewicz Performing Artist
ROXANNE STEVENSON
Chair of the Department of Music and Director of Bands, Chicago State University.
DR. MO TROUT
Retired director of Jazz Bands, Purdue University.
LEAH WARMAN
Indiana University masters graduate and independent artist. Emmy Award Winning Jazz Trombonist, Composer, and Low Brass Educator. Published author of the JEN research journal .
DR. TODD WILLIAMS
Associate Professor of Music Education, Indiana Wesleyan University. Originally known for his work with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Septet, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Todd has since become known as one of the most sought after jazz saxophonists and clinicians to date.
ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON
Launched in 1995, Essentially Ellington is a free program for high school jazz bands that aims to elevate musicianship, broaden perspectives, and inspire performance. EE provides high school and college band directors with resources for the study and performance of big band music. Any high school or college-aged jazz ensemble can join the EE network by registering in our EE Members Only portal, free of charge. Upon doing so, the ensemble remains a member going forward.
Membership benefits for high school and college aged jazz bands include:
- FREE printed or instant downloads of 10 big band charts
- FREE rehearsal guides for band leaders
- Professional feedback of student performances
- Much more!
The Purdue Jazz Festival is proud to continue offering Indiana’s only Essentially Ellington regional event. We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Sevian and John Reynolds as Jazz at Lincoln Center clinicians at Purdue University today.
LAUREN SEVIAN
Grammy award winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian is one of the most in demand musicians on the scene today. She is Associate Professor of Woodwinds at the Berklee College of Music and has been teaching privately for over 15 years. She can be seen performing as a bandleader around the NYC area with her quartet, the LSQ, or LSAT, her quintet co-led with alto saxophonist Alexa Tarantino. She is also co-director of the all female collective Lioness.
As a sidewoman, she can be heard regularly with the Mingus Big Band, and has performed with countless other groups, notably Steely Dan, Veronica Swift, the Dizzy Gillespie AllStar’s, Christian McBride’s Big Band, Robin Eubanks Big Band, and the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
She is a frequent guest artist at many universities, high schools, middle schools, and jazz festivals across the country. She has adjudicated at many jazz competitions & festivals, notably the Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Monterey Jazz Festivals “Next Generation Jazz Festival”, the Victoria Music Festival in Melbourne, Australia, and the Eau Claire Jazz Festival at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire.
JOHN REYNOLDS
John Reynolds is an in-demand trumpeter, educator, and clinician. He holds a D.M.A. in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, as well as degrees from San Diego State University (SDSU) and Point Loma Nazarene University.
John has performed and recorded with Jazz legends including John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Gerald Clayton, Rickey Woodard, Graham Dechter, Aaron Diehl, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, Bobby Shew, George Cables, Gilbert Castellanos, Marshall Hawkins, and many others.
The SoCal Jazz Society recognized Dr. Reynolds as the "Jazz Educator of the Year," and SDSU awarded him "Outstanding Alumnus of the Year." Dr. Reynolds is a consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center, where he serves as a guest artist, clinician, and adjudicator for regional Essentially Ellington festivals across the country. John is also the Director of Instrumental Music at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts where he leads the nationally ranked Garn Family Jazz Studies Program and Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program.
Performance-Based Education A Life-Changing Experience
• Learn from world-class, professional musicians.
• 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
• Perform in six or more public concerts.
2026 Big Band Jazz Academy Sessions
Session I July 12 - 25 Session II July 26 - Aug 8
Scholarships are available!
1300+ STUDENTS LEARN
84% STEM MAJORS
30+ ENSEMBLES
CONCERT BANDS | JAZZ BANDS | ORCHESTRAS | PEP BANDS | AND MORE A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
TWO-WEEK INTENSIVE
JA Z Z
FOR STUDENTS
ENTERING GRADES 7-12
provides the foundation of skills & confidence
young jazz artists need to take it to the next level
Two week sessions
grades 5-12
June - augusT
FESTIVAL SCHOOLS
ARSENAL TECH HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Josh Goodman, Zayne Cunningham
AVON HIGH SCHOOL
Avon, IN - Jeremy Basso
BADGER HIGH SCHOOL
Lake Geneva, WI - Zach Ott
BELOIT MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Beloit, WI - Chris Behrens
BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NORTH
Bloomington, IN - Thomas Wilson, Josh Wavle
CARMEL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Carmel, IN - Ben Maynard
CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL
Fort Wayne, IN - Doug Hassell
CASCADE HIGH SCHOOL
Clayton, IN - Austin Sandel
CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
Newburgh, IN - Mark Eifler
CHAMPAIGN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Champaign, IL - John Currey
CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL
Elkhart, IN - Jack Hinkle, Eric Criss
CROWN POINT HIGH SCHOOL
Crown Point, IN - Johann Sletto
DECATUR CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Chris Halstead, Zach Manson
DEKALB HIGH SCHOOL
Waterloo, IN - Christopher Michael Adamisin, Lori Haydl
DOWNERS GROVE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Downers Grove, IL - Jessen T. Smith, Shane Nelson
DUNDEE-CROWN HIGH SCHOOL
Carpentersville, IL - Will Brocker
EAST NOBLE HIGH SCHOOL
Kendallville, IN - Rob Wilson, Michael Cary
ELKHART HIGH SCHOOL
Elkhart, IN - Jake Robaska and David Elliott
FISHERS HIGH SCHOOL
Fishers, IN - Elijah Gardner, Nico Johnson
FLOYD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Floyds Knobs, IN - Jacqueline Johnson
FRANKLIN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Zack Lemon
GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Alexander Warren, Chase Hall
GOSHEN HIGH SCHOOL
Goshen, IN - Tom Cox, Josh Kaufman, Sean Patrick
GREENFIELD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Greenfield, IN - Chris Wing, Zach Crowder
HARSHMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Daniel Dorsett
HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL
Hebron, IN - David Lee
HOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL
Fort Wayne, IN - Jason Witzigreuter
HONEY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Terre Haute, IN - Emma Norris
JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Champaign, IL - Robin Heltsley
JOHN HERSEY HIGH SCHOOL
Arlington Heights, IL - Spencer Hile
KANELAND HIGH SCHOOL
Maple Park, IL - Kyle Baltzer
KOKOMO HIGH SCHOOL
Kokomo, IN - Brandon Anderson
LA PORTE HIGH SCHOOL
La Porte, IN - Matt Sullivan, Joe Clark
LAFAYETTE JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
Lafayette, IN - Tyler Long, Becky Winger, Scott Pazera
LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL
Lebanon, IN - Candace Boone
LEMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Lemont, IL - Dave Nommensen, Ben Clemons
LEO HIGH SCHOOL
Leo, IN - Colby Stackhouse
MCCUTCHEON HIGH SCHOOL
Lafayette, IN - Matthew Skiba, Annelise Rhoda
FESTIVAL SCHOOLS
MT. VERNON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fortville, IN - Lisa Cary
MUNDELEIN HIGH SCHOOL
Mundelein, IL - Andy Sturgeon , Jerry Shelato
NEW PALESTINE HIGH SCHOOL
New Palestine, IN - Kyle Cantrell
NOBLESVILLE EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Noblesville, IN - Nathan Simpson, Rayna Campbell
NOBLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Noblesville, IN - Peter Luttrull
NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Andrew Brinkman
NORTHROP HIGH SCHOOL
Fort Wayne, IN - Rachel Thorson
OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST HIGH SCHOOL
Oak Park, IL - Anthony Svejda, Tim Coffman
OLD QUARRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lemont, IL - Frank Alongi, Emma Germann
OSWEGO EAST HIGH SCHOOL
Oswego, IL - Stevan Rexroat, Jeremy Sison
OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL
Oswego, IL - Kevin Schoenbach, Craig Roselieb
OWEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Spencer, IN - Dylan Cramer
PENN HIGH SCHOOL
Mishawaka, IN - Aaron Griesser
PERRY MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Michael Richardson, Cameron Papandria
PIKE HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Amy Mohl, Adam Ruble
RIVERSIDE JUNIOR HIGH
Fishers, IN - Andrew Vial, Zach Langbein
ROLLING MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL
Rolling Meadows, IL - Elliott Hile
SHAWANO HIGH SCHOOL
Shawano, WI - Christopher Kent
SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL
Indianapolis, IN - Jeff Maupin
SNIDER HIGH SCHOOL
Fort Wayne, IN - Marcus Farr
TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL
Kokomo, IN - Max Johnson
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH VIGO HIGH SCHOOL
Terre Haute, IN - Todd Norris
TIPTON HIGH SCHOOL
Tipton, IN - Lisa Wallyn
TRI-WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Lizton, IN - Chris Kolditz
VALPARAISO HIGH SCHOOL
Valparaiso, IN - Miguel E. Rosario-Vega, Sarah DeRossi Kelly, Kyle Miller
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
Valparaiso, IN - Justin Thompson
WEA RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lafayette, IN - Ryan Burnette
WEST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL
Aurora, IL - Greg Hensel, Victor Anderson
WEST LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL
West Lafayette, IN - Ashley Wening, Kelso Daning
WHITNEY M. YOUNG MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
Chicago, IL - Jim Barbick
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL
West Lafayette, IN - Doug Kolezar, Mia Traverse
ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Zionsville, IN - Tom Landrum
URDUE P AZ Z J AND B URDUE P AZ Z J AND B
OPENS FOR
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) is a world-renowned ensemble, led by trumpeter and artistic director Wynton Marsalis. Established in 1987, it serves as the resident orchestra of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of jazz.
The ensemble performs a rich repertoire, ranging from classic jazz compositions to new works, and is known for its virtuosic musicianship and innovative interpretations. Under Marsalis’s direction, the band has played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary jazz scene, blending tradition with modern influences while fostering education and cultural outreach.
The Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis will be performing after an opening set by Purdue Jazz Band in Elliott Hall of Music on January 31, 2026 for an unforgettable live performance you won’t want to miss!
This concert is brought to you by Purdue Convocations for their Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Event. Please see their website for more information and tickets. convocations.purdue.edu.
8 CONCERT BANDS
7 JAZZ BANDS
4 ORCHESTRAS
3 PEP BANDS
1 “ALL-AMERICAN” MARCHING BAND
SUPPORT PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS
Scan the code or visit www.purdue.edu/bands/donate to support Purdue Bands & Orchestras today. Your generosity directly contributes to our students’ success through ensemble travel, scholarships, new instruments, and more! We would not be the program we are today without the ongoing support from alumni, family, and friends.
THANK YOU TO OUR DEPARTMENT SPONSORS
Scan the code or visit www.purdue.edu/bands/sponsorship to become a Purdue Bands & Orchestras corporate sponsor today! We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities and enjoy creating ways to support your organization in return. When you become a corporate sponsor, you become part of the Bands & Orchestras family.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
FEBRUARY
20 | Wind Works I | 7:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring Campus Band and Collegiate Band I
21 | Wind Works II | 7:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring University Band and Symphonic Band
22 | Wind Works III | 2:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring Collegiate Band II, Varsity Band, and Concert Band
22 | Wind Works IV | 7:00 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring the Wind Ensemble
27 | Orchestras | 7:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
28 | Orchestras | 7:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring University Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra
APRIL
2 | Jazz Bands | 7:30 PM | Loeb Playhouse
Featuring Purdue Jazz Band, AMRE, Concert Jazz II, and Jazz Lab II
3 | Jazz Bands | 7:30 PM | Loeb Playhouse
Featuring Tower of Power Band, Concert Jazz I, and Jazz Lab I
17 | Spring Showcase I | 7:30 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
Featuring Campus Band and Collegiate Band I
18 | Spring Showcase II | 2:30 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
Featuring Alumni Concert Band, University Band, and Collegiate Band II
18 | Spring Showcase III | 7:30 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
Featuring Varsity Band and Symphonic Band
19 | Spring Showcase IV | 2:00 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
Featuring McCutcheon HS Band, Purdue Concert Band, and Purdue Wind Ensemble
19 | Percussion Ensemble | 7:30 PM | Loeb Playhouse
21 | Chamber Recital I | 7:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church
23 | Chamber Recital II | 7:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church
23 | Chamber Recital III | 7:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church
MAY
1 | Orchestras | 7:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra
2 | Orchestras | 7:30 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring University Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra
3 | Jazz on the Hill | 2:30 PM | Slayter Center of Performing Arts
Featuring all Purdue Jazz Ensembles
