ROCHESTER, NY – The award-winning Eastman Jazz Ensemble and the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble salute the School’s graduating class of 2001 and honor departing New Jazz Ensemble director Jim Doser in their final concert of the season at 8 p.m., Friday, April 27, in Eastman Theatre (60 Gibbs St.). It is free and open to the public.
The two-part concert – featuring the New Jazz Ensemble in the first half and the Jazz Ensemble in the second half – includes music composed or arranged by jazz greats Thelonius Monk, Benny Carter, and Bill Holman, as well as several Eastman students and alumni. It will showcase a variety of student soloists, including the seven who graduate in May from Eastman’s jazz and contemporary media program. In addition, Rochester jazz musician and Eastman alumnus Dave Rivello (who will take over for Doser in the fall) will guest conduct his new original work titled In the Shadow of the Wall.
Doser, a lifelong Rochester resident who currently lives in Penfield, attended Gates-Chili High School and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Eastman School. He has been a part-time member of Eastman’s jazz faculty since 1987 and has directed the New Jazz Ensemble since 1993. He is the coordinator of the arts-in-education program for the Penfield School District, director of the Penfield Music Commission Project, and the Penfield High School Band director. A free-lance musician as well, he has performed and/or recorded with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Jeff Tyzik, David Zinman, Tony Bennett, Della Reese, Ben Vereen, and other artists and organizations. A father of five, Doser is stepping down from his Eastman duties to devote more time to his family and other full-time commitments, but will remain involved in Eastman’s summer programs for high school and middle school students and the Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camp.
"Jim is a consummate teacher," said Fred Sturm, director of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble who has known Doser for more than 15 years. "He’s inspiring, demanding, compassionate, and remarkably driven. He has great heart for the task of leading his high school and university students day-in and day-out. His character, artistry, demeanor, and sense of humor will be sorely missed."
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Note to editors: A photo and interviews with Jim Doser are available.