New director hired to lead U. jazz studies
The University of Utah has hired jazz pianist and composer Russell Schmidt, most recently of the Arizona State University faculty, as director of jazz studies.
Schmidt has degrees from the Eastman School of Music. He has taught at Bowling Green State University and the University of North Carolina in addition to ASU. He has written and arranged for artists as diverse as jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker and the Ying String Quartet, and has collaborated with musicians such as Eddie Daniels, Arturo Sandoval and Clark Terry. He was chosen in a nationwide search to replace Henry Wolking, who retired this spring. As the new director of jazz studies, Schmidt will head the program and direct Jazz I, the top Big Band ensemble. He will also teach a variety of classes associated with the jazz area.
"I am cognizant of the high standards which need to be maintained" at the U., Schmidt said in a news release. "Yet at the same time, there are still some areas within the program that I feel I can help develop even more fully. Given that my skill sets as a jazz educator are somewhat broad, I feel I can use my talents to elevate all components of the jazz program."
The upstate New York native made his debut on the local music scene at the recent Salt Lake City Jazz Festival, where he performed with local musicians Jeff Campbell, Greg Floor and Greg Campbell. "Salt Lake City, as a musical community, seems like an exceptional place to thrive as an artist and performer," he said.
USU Alumni Band
Utah State University's Alumni Band kicks off its 2011 summer concert series today on the Quad. Band members are graduates or USU students who performed with the music department's top band. Between 60 and 70 musicians will perform at each concert throughout the summer.
When • Today, 7 p.m.
Where • Utah State University Quad, Logan
Info • Free. For details, call 435-797-8022.
Summer winds
The Intermezzo Chamber Music Series continues with a concert featuring music of Mozart, Liszt and Brahms. Performing are flutist Caitlyn Valovick Moore, oboist James Hall, clarinetist Lee Livengood, pianist Heather Conner, violinist Lynnette Stewart, violist Scott Lewis, and cellists John Eckstein and Pegsoon Whang.
When • Monday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Westminster College's Vieve Gore Concert Hall, 1250 E. 1700 South, Salt Lake City
Info • $15, $12 for seniors and students. Call 801-582-8746 or visit www.intermezzoconcerts.org.
Chamber music in Park City
The Park City Chamber Music Festival continues with several concerts this week.
What • Glazunov, Mozart, Hindemith and Dvorák.
When • Monday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.
Where • City Park in Park City
Info • Free
What • Chamber Music Showcase, featuring works by Beethoven and Brahms
When • Thursday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Park City Community Church, 4501 Utah 224, Park City
Info • $20 ($15 for students and seniors) at the door
What • Ice Cream Social with Leslie and Russell Harlow's Salon Concert
When • Saturday, July 23, 3 p.m.
Where • Location info given after making reservations
Info • $40 by calling 435-649-5309
International Scouts
The United Jewish Federation of Utah invites you to a performance by Israeli Scouts. They will introduce the public to traditional Israeli culture and folklore through song and dance. The scouts are part of the International Scouting movement.
When • Thursday, July 21, noon
Where • Gateway Mall, 48 S. Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City
Info • Free.
More • The scouts will also give free performances Thursday, July 21, 6:30 p.m., at Congregation Kol Ami, 2425 E. 2760 South, Salt Lake City; and Friday, July 22, 7:30 p.m., Temple Har Shalom, 3700 N. Brookside Court, Park City
Decemberists at Twilight
The Twilight Concert Series brings The Decemberists to town as part of its second offering. Typhoon will open the show.
When • Thursday, July 21, 7 p.m.
Where • Pioneer Park, 350 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City
Info • Free.
Breinholt plays
Pianist and Utah native Peter Breinholt performs as part of the Sandy Amphitheater's summer concert series.
When • Friday, July 22, 8 p.m.
Where • Sandy Amphitheater, 1300 E. 9400 South
Info • $7-$10 at SmithsTix.
Get your event listed here by contacting Alicia Greenleigh at agreenleigh@sltrib.com or 801-257-8791.
