Kinder HSPVA Jazz Quintet Christmas Show

Thu, Dec 18

Jazz has been an integral part of the instrumental music program at HSPVA since its early years. The program's first director, Edward Trongone, was one of the first four educators in the nation to be recognized as an "Outstanding Jazz Educator" by the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) and served as the first elected president of IAJE/Texas. After dedicating 28 years to music education, he retired in 1978. In his honor, the annual award for "Most Outstanding Senior Jazz Student(s)" is now named The Trongone Award. Since its founding, HSPVA’s jazz program has grown dramatically. What began in 1971 as a single, incomplete big band has evolved into a thriving and comprehensive program. Today, students participate in multiple for-credit ensembles and courses, including two Jazz Orchestras, multiple jazz combos, Jazz Fundamentals, Jazz Arranging, Rhythm Section Fundamentals, and Latin Jazz. HSPVA jazz students and ensembles have earned national and international recognition, performing at IAJE and Jazz Education Network (JEN) conventions across the U.S. Under Trongone’s successor, Dr. Robert Morgan, the program embarked on several international tours, traveling to Norway, Denmark, Scotland, Japan, and Mexico. The program was also a finalist in the prestigious Essentially Ellington Competition at Lincoln Center (NYC). HSPVA jazz groups have recorded nine albums featuring guest soloists such as John Park, Don Menza, Tony Campise, Kirk Whalum, Frank Rehak, Marvin Stamm, and Lou Marini. Several of these recordings have received awards in DownBeat magazine’s annual Student Music Awards. The program has also been at the forefront of jazz education through its annual Jazz Festivals, featuring collaborations with world-renowned artists such as Jon Faddis, Milt Hinton, Dr. Billy Taylor, and Bob Mintzer. Additionally, HSPVA jazz ensembles have been invited to perform at special events, including a reception for the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s opera A Quiet Place in 1983. Small groups from the program have also had the honor of opening for major artists including The Count Basie Orchestra. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Morgan and later Warren Sneed, the program produced a remarkable roster of accomplished jazz artists, including Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Kendrick Scott, Walter Smith III, James Francies, and Paul Cornish, among many others. Following Warren Sneed’s retirement after 24 years of leadership, the program is now led by HSPVA alum James Westfall, continuing its rich tradition of excellence in jazz education. Our kitchen and bar will be open for dinner service! Merry Christmas and see you at the show!