Houston’s impact on the global jazz scene is as undeniable as it is under-appreciated. And Texas Southern University’s Jazz Program is at the front of the line when it comes to under-appreciated jazz gems.
The Bayou City gave birth to and/or played home to the following jazz giants: Professor Conrad Johnson, vocalist Horace Grigsby, The Jazz Crusaders (Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson. Wilton Felder, Hubert Laws, and Stix Hooper), blues guitarist Kinney Abair, saxophonist Arnett Cobb, pianist Kenny Andrews, guitarist Clayton Dyess, the entire Laws family (Ronnie, Hubert, Eloise and Debra) – Houston’s first family of jazz, and new school folk like the great Robert Glasper and Vincent Gardner just to name a few.
Not to mention Tierney Malone, host of KPFT’s “Houston Jazz Spotlight,” member of the Houston Jazz Collective (the group who birthed the annual Jazz Festival at Miller Outdoor Theater), and creator of The Jazz Church of Houston museum/exhibit/experience.
Then, there’s also Leonard “Al” Campbell, professional jazz bassist, HISD lecturer and jazz teacher at Westbury High School, co-founder and entertainment director for the Willow Waterhole Music Festival, entertainment consultant for the Red Cat Jazz Festival, and co-founding member of the Houston-based jazz group Sea Breeze.
And so much of the city’s and nation’s appreciation of jazz was and is thanks to KTSU, “The Choice” 90.9 FM, a community radio station and jazz champion like no other on the planet.
Suffice it to say, there’s no way to tell the story and history of jazz without including Houston front and center.
Yet, in a city so critically tied to all things jazz, Houston continues to get overlooked in this regard. And within the confines of H-Town, TSU’s powerful jazz program continues to get slept on. Yet, it steadily exposes students to all aspects of the genre and graduates, semester after semester and generation after generation, new frontline jazz soldiers ready to defend to honor of the music and take it to the next level.
TSU’S JAZZ PROGRAM
TSU’s Jazz Program is part of the university’s Department of Music which provides a unique experience combining high academic standards and high-quality performance experiences.
“Our relatively intimate size and scope foster an environment in which close mentoring relationships that last long beyond the student’s matriculation and tenure at TSU are developed and sustained,” said department chair, Dr. Jason Oby. “In this environment, we provide educational components that are not available in larger state schools.
“Our music educators and applied faculty are among the finest in the nation,” he added,before mentioning how Houston’s diversity plays into making TSU’s jazz program a winner.
“In Houston, the fourth most populist city in the nation, international performers regularly appear onstage in our world-class orchestra, opera company, ballet, and theater organizations. A flourishing community of chamber groups and other arts organizations offer endless opportunities for young classical musicians to grow and learn while the active international club scene offers numberless opportunities for jazz and R&B musicians.”
Oby shared that an equally impressive record of student success has earned TSU’s music department and jazz program a vigorous alumni community that includes Grammy Award-winning recording artists, music educators, and “behind the stage” music professionals at every level.
And the reach is real.
For the past several years, TSU has partnered with the iconic Monterey Jazz Festival
About the Festival
Texas Southern University has partnered with the world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival to bring an annual free Music Symposium which features that year’s TSU Artist-in-Residence. During the 2023-24 school year, that artist was Darin Atwater-Artistic Director of the Monterrey Jazz Festival. All Greater Houston-area high schools, middle schools, and the community regularly attend the event where they can network with professionals and peers; learn insider secrets in the music industry; pick the brains of TSU faculty and industry professionals; jam with colleagues and spark life-long collaborations; and build the foundations of a career in the music industry.
That’s not all.
TSU regularly sends a cohort of students and faculty to the Monterey Jazz Festival to work as musicians, stagehands, journalists, and more.
“I think with the jazz festival and what the university has going on, will create a lot of opportunities for our students,” said Harrison Richmond, former KTSU2 program director.
“So many legends have been a part of it. And I think that partnership between our illustrious Texas Southern and the Monterey Jazz Festival not only means opportunities for students, it means there’s people out there who are willing to give us chances,” stated Hayley McGrew, past reporter, TSU Television.
“Relationships are everything. So, to see that my HBCU, Texas Southern University, is in relationship with a festival that I dream to one day headline or perform at, is just awesome,” added TSU Jazz Program alumna Kiora Michelle.
JAZZ PROGRAM INFO
Major in Jazz Studies at TSU
TSU offers a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance that prepares young professionals for a myriad of career possibilities. Whether it is a performer, composer-producer, educator, or curator Jazz at TSU will prepare you to excel in your field. TSU boasts an outstanding faculty of leading music educators and world-class performers who are student-centered and community-driven. In addition, students also have the opportunity to work with internationally renowned guest artists.
Stand on the shoulders of giants
The TSU Jazz ensembles are award-winning and renowned ensembles that have fostered the talents of many of the top performers of today. Notable alums include; Kirk Whalum, Shelly Carroll, Frank Lacy, Andrae Hayward, Horace Young, and Kyle Turner to name a few. TSU ensembles have always been forward-thinking, geared toward the modern musician, and cultivate a unique environment for musical exploration and self-expression.
A Vibrant Music Scene
The Houston area offers a wide range of on and off-campus performance opportunities. Houston is the cultural center of the Southwest and has a vibrant music scene. Students will be amazed at the depth and diversity of performance opportunities from jazz clubs, to recording studios, cruise ships, theater big bands, international music festivals, and beyond. Students will not only gain an invaluable education but also create a network of active professionals that will help propel their careers forward.
Unique Opportunities
Jazz majors are also able to utilize the brand-new state-of-the-art recording studio on campus. Partnered with renowned jazz radio station KTSU, these outlets provide students with a rich array of resources right here on campus. The rigorous academic curriculum at TSU combined with countless opportunities for collaboration will prepare the students for musicianship, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership.
Financial Support
Scholarships are available to qualified applicants for Jazz Ensembles. See the “auditions” sidebar for requirements and materials or contact Dr. Brian Perez at brian.perez@tsu.edu
