Belmont University School of Music
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
7:30 P.M.
MASSEY CONCERT HALL
Belmont University School of Music
Faculty
Concert
Series
presents Paulo Oliveira, guitar with special guests
Chester Thompson, drums
Jeff Coffin, saxophone & flute
My Favorite Things
Incompatibilidade de Genios
Has to Be Now
*School of Music Faculty
Rogers/Hammerstein
500 Miles High Chick Corea
Remembrance Oliveira*
Bosco
Samba do Vento Oliveira*
Praia do Bessa Moreira*
Fender Bender Oliveira*
Jenny's Groove Oliveira*
Herbiniana Moreira*
Oliveira*
Featuring
Giovanni Rodriguez, percussion and bass
Tony Moreira, keyboard and piano
Christopher Fashun, percussion
Roy Vogt, bass
About the Performers
Dr. Paulo Oliveira is a dynamic musician, excelling as a soloist, ensemble performer, arranger, and dedicated educator. Currently serving as the coordinator of Belmont University's guitar program, he imparts his expertise through applied guitar instruction, seminar classes, ensemble coaching, and collaborative faculty performances. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Oliveira's influence extends globally, with his teaching and performances leaving a lasting impression in Asia, South America, Europe, and the United States. Notable achievements include winning prestigious awards from competitions like the Villa-Lobos Conservatory and Emerging Artists Competition, Ekstrand Competition, as well as the participation in renowned international festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival (USA) and Campos do Jordão Winter Festival (Brazil). Oliveira's musical journey is punctuated by impactful collaborations, featuring performances and recordings alongside acclaimed musicians such as Chester Thompson, Jeff Coffin, Christian McBride, Jimmy Greene, John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Sean Jones, and Mike Manieri.
Oliveira holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as degrees from the University of Missouri Columbia, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, and Escola Municipal de Música de São Paulo. His extensive musical background, diverse global experiences, and commitment to diversity underscore his significant impact on both the realms of music education and performance on an international scale.
Jeff Coffin is a saxophonist and composer who has earned international acclaim for his work with Dave Matthews Band and Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, as well as his three plus solo projects. Coffin’s approach to the saxophone is marked by a fearless sense of exploration, fusing elements of jazz, funk, world music, and rock into a style that isuniquely his own.
time Grammy Award winner, Coffin has toured the world, captivating audiences with his powerful, emotive playing. In addition to his work as a performer, Coffin is deeply committed to music education, teaching at Vanderbilt University and conducting workshops and clinics around the globe. He is also the founder of the independent record label Ear Up Records and co-founder of AfricaNashville - which promotes cross cultural relationships between celebrated African and American artists in Nashville, Tennessee where he lives. Coffin’s passion for sharing knowledge has made him a respected mentor to aspiring musicians everywhere. On October 19, 2024, Dave Matthews Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameCoffin is one of a handful musicians to attain this incredible musical honor!
Coffin is a Yamaha Performing Artist & Clinician, a Boston Sax Shop Ambassador, and a JodyJazz Artist.
Chester Thompson is a renowned drummer/percussionist, highly regarded for his ability to move seamlessly between multiple genres. Thompson’s known best for his work with Genesis and Phil Collins, with whom he shared the worldwide stage, as well as time in the studio, for over thirty years. Other notable legends Thompson performed or recorded with include Frank Zappa, Weather Report, John Fogerty, Santana, Michael McDonald, Freddie Hubbard, Ahmad Jamal, Kirk Whalum, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’. He had the privilege recently of recording on the 2018 Grammy Award winning CD called TajMo. Over the past twenty years when Thompson was not performing live, doing sessions, clinics, or writing, he spent his time teaching percussion lessons in the Greater Nashville Area. In addition, from 1998-2018 he served as an Adjunct Professor at the esteemed Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee teaching drum set. Thompson has surpassed the boundaries of musical genres. His performance and recording experiences have influenced over three decades of music and musicians. Between tours, Thompson’s adventures brought him to live in cities including Los Angeles, London, and his current home, Nashville. Chester Thompson currently endorses DW Drums and Sabian Cymbals.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Jazz Bands I and II
Thursday, October 24, 7:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
Physical Therapy for the Vocal Athlete
Friday, October 25, 10:00 a.m.
Frist College of Medicine, Learning Theatre 1
Chorale & Bel Canto
Sunday, October 27, 5:00 p.m. McAfee Concert Hall
Jazz String Quartet & Jazz Small Group I Monday, October 28, 7:30 p.m. Harton Recital Hall
Jazzmin
Friday, November 1, 6:00 p.m. Massey Concert Hall
For more information on upcoming concerts and events, please visit www.belmont.edu/cmpa or “like” Belmont University School of Music on Facebook.
