Chicago Jazz Ensemble

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble led by Artistic Director, Jon Faddis is recognized internationally as one of American's leading jazz ensembles. Founded in 1965 by distinguished composer and conductor William Russo, the CJE has remained dedicated throughout its history to preserving the innovative tradition of American big band jazz music, performing and reinterpreting the classics of big-band repertoire, while promoting the continuing evolution of the art form by regularly performing and commissioning contemporary works. As a professional jazz ensemble in residence at Columbia College Chicago, the CJE is equally committed to education, building new audiences and fostering the next generation of American talent by training and mentoring young musicians.

Summer camp for jazz: Brushing up with the masters

Now that summer's approaching, it's time for ... jazz camp? Yes, indeed, several luminaries of Chicago jazz -- including trumpeter Jon Faddis, singer Bobbi Wilsyn and drummer Dana Hall -- will share tricks of the trade next month with Chicagoans who want to learn from the best.
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A triumphant 'Black, Brown and Beige'

The complexity and scope of the work still prevents ensembles from attempting to play it often, which made the Chicago Jazz Ensemble's performance Friday night in Symphony Center significant. So did the caliber of the interpretation, which spoke not only to the increasing sophistication of trumpeter Jon Faddis' ensemble but to the rigor of the piece itself.
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Straight Ahead Jazz Summer Camp for Music Educators

The Jazz Institute of Chicago's Straight Ahead Summer Jazz Camp for Music Educators, designed by The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (CJE) in residence at Columbia College Chicago, offers an opportunity to study and play with renowned Jazz artists and educators including Chicago Jazz Ensemble Artistic Director Jon Faddis, Columbia College Chicago Music Chair J. Richard Dunscomb, music educator Jose Diaz, and vocalist Bobbi Wilsyn among others.

Second Annual Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and Celebration

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is proud to conduct the second annual Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and Celebration (LALPC). At the beginning of the spring semester, musicians from The CJE were paired up with schools to work with music students and their instructors on the music of Louis Armstrong. The mentors from the CJE are armed with arrangments by Jon Faddis of some tunes recorded by Armstrong's famous Hot Five and Hot Seven groups in Chicago. With the help of the mentors, students put their own spin on the music of 'Pops'. At the end of the program, all of the schools are invited to showcase their talent at a final celebration event. Eight Chicago Public Schools are participating in this year's program:

Student Guests at CJE Concerts

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is proudly in residence at Columbia College Chicago as it has been since 1965. As part of our initiative to maintain a strong relationship between The CJE and the Columbia College Chicago Music Department, The CJE has featured students in some of its major performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. This provides a great hands-on learning opportunity for some of Columbia's brightest music students. It also increases the visibility and enhances the reputation of Columbia College Chicago as a premier arts and media college.

Selling kids on Satchmo

Jon Faddis — one of the most celebrated jazz trumpeters in the world — strolls into the band room at Morgan Park High School, but the kids barely react.

Until Faddis puts his horn to his lips. As he rips into Louis Armstrong's classic "West End Blues," complete with high notes that threaten to shatter the window panes of the South Side school, everyone instantly stops horsing around and starts staring at the trumpeter in disbelief.

The sound of Faddis playing Satchmo — his clarion tone surely heard for blocks around — has served its purpose, calling everyone to attention.

My Kind of Jazz

Yes, trumpeter Jon Faddis reigns as artistic director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the late composer William Russo long ruled as its founder-conductor.

But the face most widely associated with the mighty band belongs to neither of these men. Rather, a case can be made that longtime Chicago vocalist Bobbi Wilsyn has come to personify the exuberant spirit and high-toned sensibility of the CJE.

Celebrating Benny Goodman at 100

To celebrate the 100th birthday of Benny Goodman, the legendary jazz clarinetist who passed away in 1986, members of the Goodman family have joined together with a consortium of the world’s greatest musicians and music institutions to create a year-long celebration of The King of Swing.
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American Heritage Jazz Series

Upcoming Performances

Thu, Sep. 3rd : Chicago, IL

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