Alexandra Jackson frequently collaborates with the Ellington Jazz Ensemble. She recently returned to perform at Stutz Wimmer’s final Swing Concert as Lovett’s Upper School Band Director.
rally for President Obama, performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and headlined the main stage at the 2013 Atlanta Jazz Festival. Her advice to Lovett students today: “There is a whole world out there that is ready to embrace you for who you are and what you can offer.”
Tivon Pennicott ’04: Musician Tivon Pennicott ‘04 is a two-time Grammy Award winning saxophonist who spent the summer of 2016 touring Europe - including a stop at the legendary Glastonbury Festival—and the U.S. with jazz musician, Gregory Porter. Tivon’s passion for music began at an early age. “My extended family is incredibly free and musical,” said Tivon. “It was the environment of having the joy of music accompanied by spiritual freedom which made it a no brainer for my pursuit of an artistic career.” Tivon honed his passion for the arts and jazz music at Lovett, where he was recognized as an outstanding soloist in the Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition with the Ellington Jazz Ensemble and was a member of the Georgia All-State Jazz Band. “Lovett was absolutely valuable for me,” said Tivon. “The most important 40
Lovett
part was the individual attention from my music teachers and the seemingly unlimited resources that were available to me in my learning process.” After graduating from Lovett, Tivon attended the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Tivon moved to New York City in 2009. “I was a typical struggling musician with so much passion,” he said. “I played and networked my way to maintaining a sustainable living.” By 2011, he was traveling and performing at many of the world’s greatest jazz venues. “I’ve been blessed to have performed and recorded with some of the best musicians and artists in the world, including Stevie Wonder, Gregory Porter, Esperanza Spaulding, Roy Hargrove, and Kenny Burrell,” said Tivon. He released his debut album, “Lover of Nature,” in November 2014.