UMES Jazz Ensemble
The UMES Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. John R. Lamkin, II, consists of 22 members that include 5 saxophones, 5 trombones, 5 trumpets, a bass player, 3 percussionists, a piano player, and a vocalist. The majority of the students in the band are music education majors who are preparing to (and will be expected to) spread the practical knowledge they are gaining about the jazz idiom to young music students once they graduate and become instrumental music educators. Many of the members of the UMES Jazz Ensemble have become highly successful music educators and professional musicians. There are also a few members of the band who are community musicians who donate their time and talent to the Jazz Ensemble because they love to play their instruments and love playing jazz. They are truly an inspiration to the students in the band.
The UMES Jazz Ensemble has distinguished itself by performing several concerts for area schools as well as for various community functions. For the past two years, the UMES Jazz Ensemble has been the featured entertainment at the National HBCU Conference held in Washington, D.C. In 2004, the band was invited to provide entertainment during the culmination event of the WEE-ACT Educational Recruitment Fair in Stamford, CT. In 2007, the band performed during the Inaugural Ball for Governor-Elect Martin O'Malley at the Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. The band performs for the Cambridge Elks Club during their Veterans Day Ceremony and for the Salisbury VFW Post 10159. The band toured St. Thomas in the spring of 2004 and in the spring of 2008; toured Ghana in the spring of 2005, and has also toured Chicago, Florida, and New York.
The UMES Jazz Ensemble has also been honored to have performed with several legendary jazz musicians. Most notable have been organist, Shirley Scott; trombonist, Steve Turre; trumpeter, Nicholas Patton; saxophonist, Benny Golson; bassist, Larry Ridley; pianist, Onaje Allan Gumbs; trumpeter, Dr. Donald Byrd; saxophonist, Stanley Turrentine; trombonist, Wycliffe Gordon; vocalist, Bilal; and trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis.
In the spring of 2004, the UMES Jazz Ensemble, along with the UMES Concert Choir and UMES Wind Ensemble, recorded its first CD titled, “Celebrating Music at UMES.” The CD received raved reviews from everyone who heard it. There are still a few CDs available. Those interested may contact Dr. Lamkin at 410-651-1769.
The UMES Jazz Ensemble Concert features Ms. Margaret Rutherford, our vocalist, Mr. Brian Perez, the new woodwind instructor and several freshman music education students new to the program.