Laura Haley
Staff Writer
Distinguished professor, jazz pianist, organist and composer Michael Kocour is set to perform with The College of Wooster’s Jazz Ensemble on Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m., in Freedlander Theatre. An esteemed director of jazz studies in the School of Music at Arizona State University, Kocour has been featured in two major motion pictures, multiple commercials and has released five albums. With plenty of experience, Kocour has performed internationally and has even guest-starred on NPR’s “Piano Jazz,” hosted by Marian McPartlands. Kocour was deemed “one of the most sophisticated pianists in jazz” by the Chicago Tribune and has worked with several jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Jow Lovano, Eddie Harris and the Chicago Symphony.
Receiving his bachelor’s in mathematics at the University of Illinois, Kocour continued his education by accomplishing a master’s degree in music theory from Northwestern University. In 2004 Kocour moved to Arizona to accept a new title as director of jazz studies at the Herberger College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University. Soon after accepting the position, Kocour was granted a Distinguished Teacher award.
This highly anticipated jazz performance will feature pieces from Oscar Peterson, Nelson Riddle, Nat King Cole and Herbie Hancock.
The College of Wooster’s Jazz Ensemble director Jeffrey Lindberg and Jazz & Piano Instructor Greg Slawson will also be contributing to the evening’s melodies.
Not only is Lindberg a professor of music at the College, but he also directs the renowned Chicago Jazz Orchestra, the oldest professional jazz orchestra in Chicago which has performed with Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie, both acclaimed jazz artists.
Slawson will play alongside these two. Slawson holds a bachelor of arts degree in music and psychology from Wittenberg University, as well as a master’s of music in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Slawson focuses on teaching classical piano, jazz theory and improvisation, as well as recording techniques using virtual instruments and creative guidance.
As tickets are in high demand, make sure to get yours available for $10 from the Wilson Bookstore, or off campus from Beuhler’s Milltown and Towne Market locations. Students will be admitted free of charge.
The Jazz Ensemble concert is taking place on Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Freedlander Theater.