The ETSU Jazz Ensemble delivered a high-energy and stylistically diverse Fall concert on Friday, November 14, showcasing the strength of ETSU’s Commercial and Jazz programs under the direction of Martin Walters. The evening featured jazz standards, modern compositions, and a world-premiere piece by an ETSU alum. The event was held at the Martin Center for the Arts, in the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall.
Walters emphasized the program’s commitment to preparing students for today’s music industry. “[The Commercial Music Concentration] is designed for students who wish to perform in popular music styles as well as develop skills to work as professionals in various fields in the music industry,” said Walters.
He added that the curriculum combines jazz theory and improvisation, commercial music composition, music business, recording and music technology, which he emphasizes all intend to equip graduates for opportunities in an intense world of a musician.
The concert featured works by David Foster, Jerome Richardson, Jacob Mann, Justin Stanton, and Gordon Goodwin, with standout student solos across sections. But one of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the world premiere of “Groundhog Day,” written by ETSU alumnus and multi-instrumentalist Brandon Kaldy. Walters praised Kaldy’s growth and accomplishments, noting that he is an ETSU alumnus and multi-instrumentalist who performed on trumpet and saxophone in the ETSU Jazz Ensemble from 2021 to 2025.
Walters described the Jazz Ensemble as a premier performing group of the Department of Music’s Commercial and Jazz programs and highlighted the ensemble’s strong community presence. “This highly sought-after band regularly performs across the region, including area schools, special events, concerts, and the Johnson City Jazz Festival,” he said.
With a premiere performance, strong student musicianship, and a forward-looking musical vision, the Fall 2025 concert reinforced ETSU’s place as a regional leader in jazz education and performance.
For more information about the ETSU Jazz Ensemble or the Commercial Music concentration, feel free to reach out to Martin Walters at waltermb@mail.etsu.edu. For more information about the department of Music as a whole at ETSU, feel free to reach out to Alan Stevens, the chair of the department, at STEVENSAE2@mail.etsu.edu.
