Loyola University New Orleans Jazz Ensemble

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

Ensemble experience takes center stage in Loyola’s Jazz Studies program. With over twenty small ensemble options, six jazz combos including a dedicated Trad Jazz combo, and three big band format large ensembles to choose from, students get the ultimate chance to explore and build their sound in context. This large ensemble, directed by Dr. Gordon Towell,regularly performs throughout the year in various concert settings such as the hallowed stages of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and as a part of International Jazz Day celebrations at the Jazz History Museum, in addition to their many full concert programs throughout the year on campus. The ensemble has been featured at four past JEN Conferences and numerous LMEA Conferences. Each year the ensemble performs at the annual Loyola Jazz Festival with special guest artists. Past artists have included: Bob Reynolds, Herlin Riley, Johnny Vidacovich, Wendel Brunious, Leroy Jones, Bob Mintzer, John Fedchock, John Clayton, Scott Wendholt, Benny Maupin and Camille Thurman. With members comprising students pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies, Bachelor of Music degree in Music Industry, Bachelor of Science degree in Popular & Commercial Music, and some non-music majors as well, we truly are the heartbeat of Loyola’s campus. We’re proud to present the variety of music in this program to you as a representation not only of the high caliber of musicianship and as a testament to Loyola’s commitment to both maintaining the integrity of jazz music’s heritage and roots, as well as helping build emerging musicians with a concept of what the future of jazz holds as the genre evolves.

Loyola University New Orleans Jazz Ensemble

Conductor's Bio

Gordon Towell DME Gordon Towell is the coordinator of jazz studies at Loyola University New Orleans. In this capacity he directs the award winning jazz ensemble, teaches improvisation, arranging, composition, jazz combos and jazz history. Before this position Gordon was the director of jazz studies at Morehead State University. Gordon, originally grew up in Calgary, Alberta Canada and holds a BEd in music education from the University of Alberta, an MM in jazz studies from Indiana University and a DME with a cognate in jazz studies from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He has shared his expertise with students at the Morehead State University, University of Cincinnati, Indiana University, Keyano College, Grant MacEwan College, and numerous public schools. He also finds time to adjudicate, guest solo and perform with national and international artists, and conduct throughout Canada and the U.S. His saxophone performance can be heard on Outlier, Sketch Pad, Ask Me Now, Blue Duck Suit, and Still Friends, which are all available through cdbaby.com. He is also featured on many other recordings with the DOJO Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon and the John Mahoney Big Band. These CDs have been featured on NPR, CBC, and CKUA radio stations. Gordon is a recipient of the 2001 Morehead State University’s Distinguished Creative Productions Award. He is a Conn Selmer clinician and plays Selmer saxophones and clarinets.