The
Oberlin Jazz Ensemble (OJE), founded in 1973 by Wendell Logan, is a “big band”
composed of performance majors at Oberlin Conservatory of Music as a component
in a four-year curriculum in jazz studies leading to a bachelor of music
degree. Under the direction of Chris Anderson, this fantastic performance will
feature faculty of the Oberlin Jazz Studies Division including Anderson, Jay
Ashby, Gary Bartz, Jamey Haddad, La Tanya Hall, and Billy Hart.
Opening
for OJE will be The Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble is a student group
created through the support of the legendary jazz musician. Formed in 2018, the
Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble was made possible through a generous gift to
Oberlin Conservatory by Rollins, the revered jazz saxophonist and composer.
More than a mere spot in an elite unit, membership in the ensemble requires a
commitment to service through music and willingness to give for others—core
principles exemplified by Rollins throughout his life and career.