2021–2022
MUSIC@ EMORY
This concert is presented by the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. 404.727.5050 | schwartz.emory.edu | boxoffice@emory.edu
Audience Information In Consideration
Please turn off all electronic devices. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is required for all patrons attending this event. Full details are available at schwartz.emory.edu/FAQ The concert hall capacity has been reduced in order to allow distance between seated parties. Please be mindful of distancing.
Photographs and Recordings
Digital capture or recording of this concert is not permitted.
Ushers
The Schwartz Center welcomes a volunteer usher corps of approximately 60 members each year. Visit schwartz.emory.edu/volunteer or call 404.727.6640 for ushering opportunities.
Accessibility
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.
Design and Photography Credits
Cover and Program Design: Lisa Baron | Cover Photo: Mark Teague
Acknowledgment
The Schwartz Center gratefully acknowledges the generous ongoing support of Donna and Marvin Schwartz.
2021–2022
MUSIC@ EMORY Emory Big Band Gary Motley, director Randy Hunter, assistant director Jane Chakraborty, student assistant
Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 8:00 p.m. Emerson Concert Hall Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
Emory Big Band by Andrew Neu
Salt City Samba
by Mike Tomaro
I’ve Paid My Dues
by Gordon Goodwin
Does This Chart Make Me Look Phat?
by Jeff Jarvis
Las Colinas
by Alan Baylock
Two Seconds to Midnight
by Louie Bellson and Dave Black arr. George Stone
Peaceful Thunder
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Emory Big Band Saxophones Andrew Wei Noah Greenfield Adam Shah Jason Bisgay Ryan Ruhde Trombones Max Inman Josh Peacock Griffin Noble Shivan Sinha Trumpets Michael Cruse* Joseph Rosenbaum Tony Bailey Jeff Joppich Rhythm Section Gary Motley, piano** Evan Covey, guitar Justin Hahm, bass Tommy Parker, drums * indicates artist affiliate ** indicates ensemble director
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Emory Jazz Faculty 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.
Emory Jazz Artist Affiliates 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.
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. 6
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.
Michael Cruse, Trombone/Trumpet, Combo Instructor Jazz artist and composer Michael Cruse is known for his unique take on the singing and trumpet-playing style of the incomparable Louis Armstrong. Cruse’s compositions and arrangements have been used in television, film, and commercial music. Born into a gospel family, Cruse developed a deep love for performing music at a young age. His uncle, Charles Quillings, who taught and performed with Les McCann, taught him the trumpet and how to read and write his own music. Cruse studied jazz performance and composition at the University of Cincinnati–College Conservatory of Music. After graduating, he released his first CD titled Unbridled featuring the Michael Cruse Quintet. His latest single, You (2020), is available on music streaming platforms. Cruse frequently performs in the Atlanta area and tours nationally in various concert halls, jazz festivals, and jazz clubs.
Chris Riggenbach, Double Bass and Electric Bass Chris Riggenbach has played double bass and electric bass with Josh Groban, Matt Catingub, Jens Lindemann, Steve Moretti, Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines, Ted Howe, Keith David, Chloe Agnew, Karla Harris, Sarah Partridge, Vecinos del Mundo (led by Jerry Fields), Orquestra Macuba, Marcus Lewis, Jazz Legacy Big Band (led by David Pruyn), the Gwinnett Symphony Wind Orchestra, and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, among others. He has also played internationally on cruise ships in performances of The Sound of Music, Camelot, Catch Me If You Can, Dreamgirls, and Bonnie & Clyde. In 2010, he performed in Poland with the Josh Lawrence Jazz 3 at the Sopot Molo Jazz Festival and at Piwnica pod Baranami in Krakow. Riggenbach has advanced degrees in jazz studies from Georgia State University. He studied bass with Ralph Jones, Thomas Thoreson, Dee Moses, Neal Starkey, Rich Nanista, and Robert Dickson. Riggenbach teaches bass and directs the jazz combos at Emory. 7
Music at Emory Music at Emory brings together students, faculty, and world-class artists to create an exciting and innovative season of performances, lectures, workshops, and master classes. With more than 150 events each year across multiple Emory venues, audiences experience a wide variety of musical offerings. As you explore Music at Emory, we hope you enjoy this variety by sampling an assortment of work from our student ensembles, community youth ensembles, artists in residence, professional faculty, up-and-coming prodigies, and virtuosos from around the world.
404.727.5050 music.emory.edu