MUSIC
2023 | 2024
Welcome to the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.
Please turn off all electronic devices. Photography, recording, or digital capture of this concert is not permitted.
404.727.5050 | schwartz.emory.edu | boxoffice@emory.edu
Audience Information
The Schwartz Center welcomes members of Mu Phi Epsilon and a volunteer usher corps of about 40 members each year. Visit schwartz.emory.edu/volunteer or call 404.727.6640 for ushering opportunities.
The Schwartz Center is committed to providing performances and facilities accessible to all. Please direct accommodation requests to the Schwartz Center Box Office at 404.727.5050, or by email at boxoffice@emory.edu.
The Schwartz Center wishes to gratefully acknowledge the generous ongoing support of Donna and Marvin Schwartz.
Cover
Design: Lisa Baron | Cover Photo: Mark Teague
2023 | 2024
MUSIC
Emory Jazz Spring Concert
Gary Motley, director of jazz studies
Emory Big Band
Gary Motley, director
Randy Hunter, assistant director
Justin Powell, ensemble coach
Griffin Trejo Noble, student assistant
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 8:00 p.m.
Emerson Concert Hall
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
Emory Big Band Program
Lady Bird by Todd Dameron arr. Mark Taylor
Alegria by Mike Tomaro
Love Chant by Charles Mingus arr. Steve Slagle
Roll ‘em by Mar y Lou Williams
transcribed and edited by Ted Buehrer
Penelope Williams, guest conductor and Emory artist affiliate
Tangerine by Johnny Mercer and Victor Schertzinger arr. Sammy Nestico
Cold Duck Time by Eddie Harris arr. Alan Baylock
Blue Sesame by Andrew Neu
Chachanita by Michael Philip Mossman
A Warm Breeze by Sammy Nestico
Saxophone
Randy Hunter (artist affiliate), Robert Schmidt, Jay Hammond, Kai Zhao, Clement Leung
Trombone
Shiven Sinha, Griffin Trejo Noble, Aiden Amaya, Tim Brewer
Trumpet
Joey Chen, Jeffrey Zheng, Satya Thota, Henry Donath, Andy Blumberg
Rhythm Section
Aaron Tyutyunik, piano; Evan Covey, guitar; Justin Hahm, bass; Tommy Parker, drums
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Emory Jazz Studies, Faculty and Artist Affiliates
The Emory Jazz Studies program features courses in improvisation and history, as well as private instruction and performance opportunities. The mission is to educate students about the rich traditions of American jazz while providing insight into the creative process through performance and analysis. The program includes undergraduate and graduate students spanning the liberal arts. Musicians develop skills in performance through the study of classic repertory in smaller ensembles or in the big band, which focuses on traditional works of the past and present.
Gary Motley, Director of Jazz Studies
Since launching a solo career in 1994, Gary Motley has been at the forefront of jazz in the southeastern United States, establishing himself as both a keyboard virtuoso and a composer. His captivating performances transport audiences back in time as Motley blends musicianship, creativity, and tradition. Recognized by Downbeat magazine, the American Composers Forum, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Motley was recently cited by his home state for his artistic and educational achievements with his induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Motley is also committed to jazz education and awareness. In his role at Emory, Motley developed the Robert Strickland Jazz Studio—an innovative, interactive teaching facility that integrates the rich heritage of American jazz with today’s technology practices.
Dan Baraszu, Guitar
Detroit-born, guitarist-composer Dan Baraszu started playing guitar at age nine. Early in his career, he explored many different styles of music. However, when he first heard the genius of jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, Baraszu devoted himself to becoming a die-hard jazz artist. His major influences include guitarists Joe Pass, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield, as well as other instrumentalists like Bill Evans, Horace Silver, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Charlie Parker. Baraszu received a bachelor’s degree from the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he majored in jazz composition and arranging, and a master’s degree from the University of Miami with a major in jazz pedagogy.
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Justin Chesarek, Drums
After earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from Slippery Rock University, Justin Chesarek attained a master of music degree in jazz studies at Georgia State University. He performs regularly with Joe Alterman, Trey Wright, Gary Motley, Joe Gransden, Sam Burchfield, and the ATL Collective. Chesarek has appeared at the Iridium and the Blue Note in New York City; the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; a TED Talk; the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival in Alaska; the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands; and the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Chesarek also teaches jazz percussion at Kennesaw State University. He is a board member of the Atlanta Lovers of Music Association, and he endorses Vic Firth drum sticks.
Randy Hunter, Saxophone
Randy Hunter is a professional saxophonist, educational author, and private music instructor from Marietta, Georgia. He studied music education with an emphasis in jazz pedagogy at Valdosta State College. Focused on generating educational jazz material, Hunter developed a series of étude, duet, and combo method books titled Complete Jazz Styles, that has been endorsed by several well-known jazz artists including Joe Lovano, Jerry Bergonzi, Randy Brecker, Bobby Shew, and John Fedchock. He also created jazz improvisation-oriented instructional material in multimedia format, including several eBooks. At Emory, Hunter teaches jazz saxophone and is the assistant director of the Emory Big Band.
Justin Powell, Trumpet
Atlanta-based trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator Justin Powell has been active in the Atlanta music scene since moving to the area in 2013. Powell has a master of music degree from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music, and a bachelor of music degree in jazz performance from Valdosta State University. He stays busy performing and recording with the Terminus Horns. As a performer Powell has been able to share the stage and collaborate with incredible artists including the Gorillaz, Josh Groban, the Floozies, American Authors, Red Wanting Blue, Sister Hazel, the Isley Brothers, Bobby Feeno, Angie Stone, Chuck Israels of the Bill Evans Trio, the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Balsam Range, and the O’Jays. Powell is well-versed in all styles of music and has worked with several classical orchestras, brass quintets, and pop and rock bands, and is a top call session player in the Atlanta area. In addition to performing live, he has arranged horn parts in a variety of styles for live performance and studio sessions.
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Chris Riggenbach, Double Bass and Electric Bass
Chris Riggenbach has played bass with Josh Groban, Chloe Agnew, Gary Motley, Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines, Audrey Shakir, Karla Harris, Ted Howe, Keith David, Sarah Partridge, Marcus Lewis, Josh Lawrence, Raphael Imbert, Matt Catingub, Jens Lindemann, Steve Moretti, Macon Pops, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, Jazz Legacy Big Band, 4th Ward Afro Klezmer Orchestra, Sweetwater Junction, and Gold Sparkle Band. He has also played bass on Wicked, The Sound of Music, Catch Me If You Can, Dreamgirls, Bonnie & Clyde, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. In 2010, Riggenbach performed in Poland with the Josh Lawrence Jazz 3 at the Sopot Molo Jazz Festival and Piwnica pod Baranami in Krakow. Riggenbach has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Georgia State University. He studied bass with Dee Moses, Ralph Jones, Thomas Thoreson, Neal Starkey, Rich Nanista, and Robert Dickson. Riggenbach teaches bass and directs jazz combos at Emory University.
Penelope Williams, Piano and Vocals
Penelope Williams, MM, piano/keyboards/vocals, has performed in countless venues across the globe. A longtime resident of Atlanta, her musical residencies have included the Ritz Carlton Atlanta, Omni Hotel, and Hotel Nikko, among others. Williams’s love of music keeps her active as an instructor of jazz and performance at Emory University, Global Village Project, and the Lovett School. Additionally, she is a creative arts director with the Spiritual Living Center Atlanta and the founder of Gratitude Jazz Foundation, an organization raising awareness of women jazz musicians and composers by providing a positive and supportive environment, i.e., a haven for artistic growth.
The Emory Jazz Alliance is devoted to supporting jazz education, awareness, and performance at Emory University. Donations will support Emory Jazz Studies by providing funding for residencies, program development, and community outreach. Students of Emory Jazz have been a part of an exceptional and nurturing space that prepares students to be the next generation of jazz artists and also creates connections and educational experiences with the industry’s top jazz artists. Become a member today by visiting music.emory.edu/home/about/support or scanning the QR code.
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