ETSU’s Jazz Studies Program, directed by Dr. David Champouillon, will hold its second major concert in this year’s series, “Fall Jazz at the Culp,” on Thursday, Nov. 20.
The 7:30 p.m. concert in the D.P. Culp University Center’s auditorium features world-famous jazz saxophonist Chip McNeill, the ETSU Jazz Ensemble and the ETSU Percussion Ensemble.
McNeill is currently chair of jazz studies at the University of Illinois.
He is the former musical director and jazz tenor saxophonist for Grammy award-winning recording artist Arturo Sandoval – both touring and recording with him, including the CDs “Americana” and “Hot House,” which claimed a Grammy award for Best Latin Jazz Performance.
McNeill is a former musical director/player/producer for legendary jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, touring with him as well as producing, writing and performing on six of Ferguson’s CDs, including his final effort, “The One and Only Maynard Ferguson.”
In addition, McNeill has performed on numerous jazz radio and television programs and at countless jazz festivals, clubs and concert venues across the country and around the world, including Switzerland, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, India and Indonesia.
The ETSU Percussion Ensemble has won numerous awards, most notably from the Percussive Arts Society (PASIC).
Under the direction of Dr. Rande Sanderbeck, the ensemble consistently performs to standing-room-only audiences and is “the backbone” of the music department’s instrumental ensembles.
The much sought-after ETSU Jazz Ensemble – directed by Champouillon and staffed by student musicians dedicated to the art of small ensemble jazz and improvisation – performs all styles of jazz from straight ahead, bebop and Latin to blues and rock.
Admission is $5 for students and $10 for the general public. The $20 VIP ticket includes reserved seating and the artist reception.
Tickets are available at the door or at the ETSU Department of Music office located in Mathes Hall. For more information or special arrangements for those with disabilities, contact Champouillon at 439-6855 or champoui@etsu.edu. The Department of Music may be reached at 439-4276.

Author