SAU Jazz Combo
The SAU Jazz Combo offers opportunity for self-expression, creativity, and collaboration. The study of Jazz history, theory, and repertoire are the focus of this ensemble. Performances will incorporate a number of different venues around the Quad City area. Interested?? The group currently has openings for a variey of instrumentalists. Players with a minmum of 4 years of HS Jazz Band experience and above are encouraged to contact Rod Pierson (director) at rod@rpbigband.com or by phoning 319-530-0479.
Membership in the band is open to any St Ambrose student regardless of major, but requires an audition.
About Rod Pierson...
Along with his passion for creating great music, Rod Pierson enjoys the special interaction with people that can only be shared through live music. He adds, "This music is still very much alive and topical...reaching a special place inside everyone who experiences it. With Big Band once holding the distinction as "America's Most Popular Music" and Jazz often being referred to as "America's Gift to The World", I believe as long as people appreciate songs about love and relationships (good and bad), Swing and Jazz music will continue to speak to us with vitality and meaning." Rod's experiences as a musician include long term stints with The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Moe Band, Hunter Fuerste's Vintage Orchestra, and the Guy Lombardo Orchestra. Jazz credits include performances with Woody Herman, Natalie Cole, John Pizzarelli, and Ann Hampton Callaway to name a few. Rod has also backed such popular artists as Aretha Franklin, Burt Bacharach, The Tempatations, Bob Hope and more. Add to this a list of nearly 20 different Broadway Musical touring company pit engagements, and you can understand the standard for quality that Rod strives to meet with every performance. The Rod Pierson Big Band Featuring Craig Boche is rapidly gaining widespread success due to not only Rod's personal experience, but by equally noting the musicians he is surrounded by. Each band member's energy and experience are viewed as key ingredients to the distinct sound they produce together as a unit. The Band's delivery is fresh, tastefully irreverent, and can best be expressed as "Live Well and Swing Often!"
Rehearsal time: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Galvin Center's Madsen Hall, Room 125
Instructor: Rod Pierson
Office: Galvin 110
Phone: 319-530-0479
Hours: As posted and by appointment