Shenandoah Conservatory Jazz Ens

Bassist Golder ONeill holds degrees from the Berklee College of Music (BM) and Shenandoah University (MME). Since coming to Shenandoah in 1986, Golder has envisioned and overseen the transformation of the Music Production and Recording Technologies degree track into a program that truly prepares students to become professionals in the field of music production. Built around the Conservatory's state-of-the art recording studio, students learn not only to play jazz and contemporary music, they also learn the technology skills that are quickly becoming imperative to being successful in today's music business.

Golder Oneill

Jazz Bass

Director, Music Production and Recording Technologies

Combos

Conservatory Bio

Craig Fraedrich

Jazz Trumpet

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Improvisation

Jazz Theory

Arranging

Combos

Jazz Coaching

Website

Rick Whitehead

Jazz Guitar

Jazz Guitar Ensemble

Conservatory Bio

Website

Alan Baylock

Jazz Composer in Residence Jazz Arranging

Jazz Ensemble

Conservatory Bio

Website

Dr. Tyler Kuebler

Jazz Saxophone

Jazz Combos

Conservatory Bio

Website

Matt Niess

Jazz Trombone

Director, National Jazz Workshop

Conservatory Bio

Website

On faculty at Shenandoah since 1987, Rick Whitehead is in constant demand as a guitarist in the Washington D.C. area. After receiving his degree from the University of Miami, Rick spent twenty-two years with the renowned Airmen of Note; touring throughout the U.S., the Far East and South America. He as released three CDs as a leader, garnering rave reviews for each. His approach is likely best described in this review from the Washington Post:

Whitehead's style encompasses the entire history of jazz guitar - the chordal solos of Joe Pass, the bop lines of Barney Kessel, the octaves of Wes Montgomery, the fluid melodicism of Tal Farlow, the rhythmic push of Django Reinhardt, even the controlled noise of more modern players. [He is] clearly comfortable working in any song form and style. Eric Brace, The Washington Post.

Joining the faculty at Shenandoah in 1989, Craig Fraedrich holds degrees from North Texas State University (BM) and Arizona State University (MM). He has released ten CDs under his own name, has appeared on dozens as a sideman and his album "So In Love" with Dave Liebman reached number 12 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. From a review of two of his CDs in Jazz Times:

“Yes there is good jazz in Virginia; no, New York has no corner on the good players. Craig Fraedrich and his compatriots are case in point. These recordings by a group of considerable D.C. area musicians may have difficulty vying for your attention amidst the flood of Gotham based goodies, but given half a chance Fraedrich and company will make many friends. Craig Fraedrich is a brass man of admirable facility and heartfelt tone. Kenny Wheeler comes most immediately to mind. Fraedrich is the leader and most auspicious/conspicuous soloist on these dates. There is an openness to these original compositions that bodes well for Fraedrich’s future. ...Both releases are marked by tight ensembles, clear, clean execution and admirable studio values. . ..Fraedrich and company admirably stay the course of originality...”

Craig spent over twenty-six years as jazz trumpet soloist with The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble where he served as trumpet section leader and musical director. He also contributed over sixty arrangements to the band's library. For recordings and educational materials, please visit his website. (link above)

A member of the Shenandoah Faculty since 1982, Bob Larson hold degrees from Eastern Washington University (BM), the University of Oregon (MA) and Shenandoah University (DMA). He has conducted extensive research into jazz style and has published articles on teaching improvisation and on the early piano style of Bill Evans. His most recent book, Arranging for the Small Jazz Ensemble has drawn During his tenure at Shenandoah, he has taught virtually every jazz class offered as well as directing the Jazz Ensemble from 1987-2000, taking the band on tours of Europe, China and Japan. He has conducted extensive research into jazz style, and has published articles on teaching improvisation and on the early piano style of Bill Evans. His most recent book, Arranging for the Small Jazz Ensemble has drawn rave reviews from jazz educators. He is currently the head of the Jazz Department as well as Instrumental Music and is the host of the National Jazz Workshop.

Dr. Robert Larson

Jazz Piano

Jazz Theory

Arranging

Jazz History

Combos

Conservatory Bio

The Conservatory jazz Faculty at a Glance The Conservatory Jazz Ensemble Jazz Combos Jazz Guitar Ensemble Jazz Trombone Ensemble

Jazz Piano Jazz Guitar Jazz Bass Jazz Drum Set Jazz trumpet Jazz Trombone Jazz Saxophone Jazz Coaching

Jazz Arranging and Composition Jazz Theory Improvisation

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Bachelor of Music in Music Production and Recording Technology-Jazz Emphasis

Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy: Jazz Concentration Bachelor of Science in Arts Management : Jazz Concentration Minor in Jazz

The Shenandoah Conservatory

The National Jazz Workshop

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