Grammy-Nominated Composer to Lead USU Jazz Bands Event on April 9

Utah State University’s Department of Music is hosting this year’s second Jazz Bands event featuring multiple Grammy-nominated composer and conductor Chuck Owen, who will lead the performance and perform his original music and direct several pieces. This unforgettable jazz night will take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 9 at the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall.

Notably, USU Director of Guitar Studies Corey Christiansen plays in Chuck Owen’s band The Jazz Surge, further enriching the experience for students and attendees alike.

USU associate trumpet professor Max Matzen spearheads these Jazz Bands events, which take place twice each semester, and thought bringing Owen to USU would benefit aspiring jazz students.

“I’ve always known of Chuck’s music and when Corey said he could connect us, I wanted to jump on the opportunity,” Matzen said. “Chuck is a powerhouse in this industry, and a gigantic connection for all our jazz students and our department. He is an outstanding composer and arranger for large jazz ensembles, and we have several student composers and arrangers in our bands right now.”

Along with being a composer and conductor, Owen is a producer and recognized leader in jazz education. He is a five-time Grammy nominee for his work in “The Jazz Surge.” The nominations included:

• Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: All Hat, No Saddle.
• Best Instrumental Composition: Warped Cowboy.
• Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Whispers On The Wind; this received three nominations.

He has composed for the WDR Big Band, Netherland’s Metropole Orkest and is the recipient of Guggenheim Fellowship. He is currently serving as the founding President of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers.

These Jazz Bands events showcase the dynamic mix of classic and contemporary music for large jazz ensembles and students will be able to connect with Owen through a seminar he will be teaching on composition and arranging.

The event is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for USU students, staff and faculty. Purchase tickets online or at the CCA box office located in the Daryl Chase Fine Arts Center. For more information visit the USU events calendar.