IUP Jazz Ensemble

The IUP Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Kevin E. Eisensmith, is one of the many accredited ensembles within the Department of Music at http://old.www.iup.edu/images/iup_top.gif. Made up of twenty musicians from various fields of study within the university, the ensemble was started in 1938 as a dance band by Mr. Balgene Roush, and later, known as "The Mellowmen," was directed by Mr. Charlie Davis. It continued through the 1970s and 1980s under the direction of Dr. Daniel DiCicco, evolving with the changes of jazz and popular music. Dr. Gary Bird led the band from the late 1980s until 1998. Today's band performs a mixture of jazz styles from Latin to Swing, Ballads to Fusion and performs approximately thirty times during the year. With a venue of High School Jazz Festivals, assembly programs, and competitions throughout the state, the Ensemble also hosts an annual Jazz Festival, which features six area high school jazz bands, the IUP Jazz Band and the IUP Jazz Ensemble. This year's Festival will be held in Fisher Auditorium on Saturday, April 1, 2000 and will feature trumpeter Vince DiMartino. The IUP Jazz Ensemble placed first in the Villanova Jazz Competition in 1991 and last performed at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Conference in Pittsburgh in 1992. For seven years the band was involved in the annual fund-raising effort for Cerebral Palsy sponsored by the Franklin Elks of Franklin, PA. Throughout the years, many well-known guest artists have performed with the ensemble, including guitarist Joe Negri, euphoniumist Rich Matteson, trumpeters Vince DiMartino, Doc Severenson and Dave Detwiler, drummers Peter Erskine, Steve Houghton and Jim Rupp, pianist Peter Nero, Hollywood tubist Jim Self, flutist Jim Walker, vocalists Cleo Laine and Kathy Wade, trombonist Urbie Green, and saxophonists Don Aliquo, Jr., John Dankworth and Rick DiMuzio.

Kevin Eisensmith is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at http://old.www.iup.edu/images/iup_top.gif, where he also directs the IUP Trumpet Ensemble and the IUP Jazz Ensemble. From 1990 to 1998 he was the Associate Professor of Trumpet at Eastern Kentucky University, where he taught applied trumpet and was the Director of Jazz Ensembles. He holds a B. S. in Music Ed. degree from http://old.www.iup.edu/images/iup_top.gif (1978), a Master's degree in Music Performance from Georgia State University (1982), and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Performance degree from Temple University (1994). Dr. Eisensmith has studied with John Head, former principal trumpeter with the Atlanta Symphony and with Seymour Rosenfeld, former second trumpeter with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Dr. Eisensmith served as the solo trumpeter with the U.S. Army Forces Command Band (FORSCOM'S OWN) in Atlanta, Georgia from 1979 through 1984 and performed over 700 concerts through 26 states and the Virgin Islands during this period. As a free-lance artist, Dr. Eisensmith has worked with Carol Channing (Hello Dolly! ), Richard Harris (Camelot), Judy Collins, Andy Williams, The Osmond Brothers, Bob Hope, Bernadette Peters, Julio Iglesias, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Doc Severinson, Shari Lewis, Peabo Bryson, Aaron Neville, Roberta Flack, Melissa Manchester, the Lettermen, the Moody Blues, Natalie Cole, and Peter Nero. He has performed as principal trumpeter with many regional orchestras in the Atlanta and Philadelphia areas and frequently served as an extra trumpeter with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Eisensmith held the principal trumpet position with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra from 1990 to 1998. In addition, Dr. Eisensmith has been an Adjunct Professor of Music teaching at various colleges, and has an active private studio.

IUP Jazz Band

The IUP Jazz Band is one of two performing jazz groups which can be taken for credit at IUP. The 20 member ensemble includes saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, bass, guitar, drums, percussion, and a vocalist. All styles of jazz are studied, including swing, Latin, rock fusion, and other contemporary idioms. Members are introduced to jazz improvisation skills and have the opportunity to solo with the band. Performances include on campus concerts and additional off campus educational opportunities at junior and senior high schools and music festivals. The Ensemble is conducted by Dr. Keith Young.

Keith R. Young is Assistant Professor of Music at http://old.www.iup.edu/images/iup_top.gif where he teaches saxophone studies and directs the IUP Jazz Band. Recently he retired as Principal Saxophonist with The U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. during which time he was soloist on international tours; at the International Bandmasters and Orchestra Directors Conference; World Saxophone Congresses in Japan and Italy; United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposiums; and the 1998 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference. ˆ Dr. Young received degrees from Bowling Green State University, the Catholic University of America, and the University of Maryland, as well as studying in Bordeaux, France, with world renowned saxophonist Jean Marie Londeix. Other saxophone instructors have included Dale Underwood, Reginald Jackson, Louis Marini, Sr., and jazz saxophonist, Chris Vadala.