Princeton University Jazz Program

Throughout the years, the Princeton University Jazz Program under the direction of Dr. Anthony D.J. Branker has sought to educate and expose the university community to the artistic and historical significance of jazz by presenting artists and repertoire that are representative of the wide spectrum of styles and conceptual approaches found throughout the music’s evolution. Students involved in jazz performance have numerous opportunities to concertize, participate in master classes, study privately, and to pursue independent projects. They also have the opportunity to participate in academic courses from the music department curriculum that encourage the study of the historical, social, theoretical, stylistic, and creative issues that pertain to the jazz idiom. In 2008, Princeton University received a multi-million dollar gift to enhance the study and performance of jazz, significantly expanding the university’s ability to support performances and develop innovative research and teaching in this uniquely American and broadly influential art form. As a result of this generous contribution to the development of jazz studies at the university, we have been able to establish the newly created Certificate Program in Jazz Studies at Princeton University.

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Dr. Anthony Branker's composition "Let's Conversate!" from the Anthony Branker & Word Play Uppity CD on Origin Records was recently nominated for the 12th Annual Independent Music Awards in the Jazz Song (Composition) category. Please wish him luck and Vote on IMA's Jazz Song Nominee page!!

"Music Without Borders" An Evening with legendary tenor saxophonist/composer Charles Lloyd and Greek vocalist Maria Farantouri with pianist Takas Farazis, bassist Reuben Rodgers, drummer Eric Harland, and Sokratis Sinopoulos, lyra on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 8:00 pm in Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall

Concert featuring students in Music 321: The Improvising Ensemble with Estonia’s Free Tallinn Trio with vocalist Anne-Liis Poll, guitarist Jaak Sooäär, and pianist Anto Pett, Thursday, March 28, 2013, 8:00 pm in Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall (Free Admission)

Concert featuring students in Music 321: The Improvising Ensemble with The Respect Sextet, Monday, April 29, 2013, 8:00 pm in Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall (Free Admission)

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Selected Upcoming Events in 2012-2013

THURSDAY, MARCH 7
Jazz @ Café Vivian featuring the University Miles Davis Ensemble, coached by Ralph Bowen
11:00 pm, Frist Campus Center

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
"Music Without Borders" An Evening with legendary tenor saxophonist/composer Charles Lloyd and Greek vocalist Maria Farantouri with pianist Takas Farazis, bassist Reuben Rodgers, drummer Eric Harland, and Sokratis Sinopoulos, lyra on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 8:00 pm in Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall
Co-Sponsored by the Program in Jazz Studies

TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Release Date for Anthony Branker & Word Play's Uppity CD on Origin Records featuring tenor saxophonist Ralph Bowen, trombonist Andy Hunter, trumpeter Eli Asher, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Kenny Davis, drummer Donald Edwards and vocalist Charmaine Lee performing new music composed by Dr. Anthony Branker "While addressing such themes as intolerance, hate and prejudice, composer Anthony Branker's "Uppity" strives to remind us of the power and resiliency of the human spirit as we continue the struggle for a truly tolerant and color-blind society" - Origin Records

THURSDAY, MARCH 28
Concert featuring students in Music 321: The Improvising Ensemble with Estonia’s Free Tallinn Trio featuring vocalist Anne-Liis Poll, guitarist Jaak Sooäär, and pianist Anto Pett
8:00 pm, Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall
Sponsored by the Program in Jazz Studies

THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Jazz @ Café Vivian featuring the University John Coltrane Ensemble, coached by Ralph Bowen & University Jazz Vocal Collective coached by Dr. Anthony Branker & Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin
11:00 pm, Frist Campus Center

THURSDAY, APRIL 21
The Columbia/Princeton Jazz Summit featuring the Princeton University Free to Be Ensemble, Dr. Anthony D.J. Branker and the Columbia University Jazz Program, Dr. Chris Washburne
Sunday, 7:00 pm, Miller Theatre, Columbia University

MONDAY, APRIL 29
Concert featuring students in Music 321: The Improvising Ensemble with The Respect Sextet
8:00 pm, Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall
Sponsored by the Program in Jazz Studies

SATURDAY, MAY 11
University Concert Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Vocal Collective, directed by Dr. Anthony Branker
& Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin
8:00 pm, Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall

**For Complete Concert Schedule click on link for "Performances plus..."
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