NMSU hosts 55th Jazz Jumpstart Festival

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New Mexico State University’s music department is preparing to open the 55th year of the NMSU Jazz Jumpstart Festival, a day of workshops and clinics for music students led by visiting musicians, with a free concert for the public on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Two trombone soloists and bandleaders will headline the concert.

Jennifer Wharton, based in New York City, leads a trombone-centered ensemble called Bonegasm, which has released three albums. According to her website, Wharton teaches bass trombone at Rutgers and Montclair State universities, and has performed with numerous other ensembles including the Grammy-nominated Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Alan Ferber Big Band and the Terraza Big Band.

John Fedchock, also from New York City, began his trombone career with the Woody Herman Orchestra in 1980, per his website. He leads the John Fedchock New York Big Band, which has produced five albums, and has been nominated for two Grammys for his musical arrangements. As a soloist, he has played with T.S. Monk, the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band, Louie Bellson Big Band, Bob Belden Ensemble, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band in addition to appearances at jazz festivals and concerts worldwide.

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21, at NMSU’s Atkinson Recital Hall on the Las Cruces campus.

Information about the workshops including signups for schools and individuals can be found online at jazz.nmsu.edu.

55th Jazz Jumpstart Festival, Jennifer Wharton, John Fedchock

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