Featuring: The Wayne State University Big Band
Conductor, Prof. Chris Collins, Director Jazz Studies
The Wayne State Big Band performs a wide range of traditional and contemporary repertoire. Led by Professor and Director of Jazz Studies Christopher Collins, the Big Band has performed to enthusiastic audiences at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall with luminary Eddie Daniels and with jazz legends Joe Lovano and Jerry Bergonzi at Detroit’s Max M. Fisher Music Center. The Big Band also performs each fall on the main stage of the Detroit International Jazz Festival with such headline artists as Diane Schuur, Jimmy Heath, and Kurt Elling. In addition to performing the repertoire of guest artists, the Wayne State Big Band is recognized for presenting award-winning student compositions and arrangements written for artists-in-residence or on such themes as tributes to jazz masters or sacred jazz.
Known as “Detroit’s Hometown University Big Band” the WSU Big Band is the premiere performance ensemble in Wayne State’s Jazz Studies Program, the oldest university jazz program in the region. The Wayne State Department of Music and the Detroit International Jazz Festival collaborate on jazz education programs and partner with guest artists throughout the year. WSU Big Band and Jazz Week All-Star Youth Ensemble perform annually at the DIJF and Christopher Collins serves on the DIJF Board of Directors.
Ensemble Directors:
WSU Jazz Big Band – Chris Collins
Jazz Band II – Russ Miller
Jazz Band III – Ernest Rogers
Guitar Ensembles I and II – Steve Carryer
Guitar Ensemble III – Chuck Newsome
Jazztet – Dennis Tini
Combos – Mike Karloff