The Whitworth Jazz Ensemble performed last week at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) 2025 Conference, the biggest jazz conference in the nation!
Director Jared Hall ’08, DMA, says the students gave an excellent performance. “The solos were exciting, and the band listened well to each other to bring the music together – I am very proud of them! I had many educators from around the country comment on the musical maturity of the ensemble and the high level of creative improvisation,” he says.
Two special guests joined in Whitworth’s performance. Trombonist Jonathan Bumpus ’17, now a University of Northern Colorado doctoral student, was featured in a solo, and Hall’s friend, Army Blues trombonist and band leader Javier Nero, filled in the ensemble’s lead trombone spot. “Their contribution elevated the students’ performance and displayed such a high level of musicianship and expression,” Hall says.
In addition to performing, the ensemble took part in master classes and clinics. More Whitworth connections were made when the ensemble saw the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band close the conference with a performance featuring two Whitworth alums – alto saxophonist Natalie Wagner ’22 and bassist Kai Wagner ’22, both now graduate students. Hall says, “This experience was completely life-changing for the students in the aspects of music, community and culture!”
Worth a Look 