Jazz Ensembles concert photo

CSU Jazz Ensembles Honor one of The Greats

Written by Brandon Adams Jazz is a sacred art, one that began in the early 20th century, and is constantly being refined and transformed. Throughout history, many jazz composers have left their mark – from Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie to Count Basie and Herbie Hancock – putting a personal touch on a collaborative masterpiece. […]



Jazz Festival promotional photo

Jazz Ensembles Concert #2

November 17, 2016 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Celebrating Great Composers for Big Band, from the Swing Era to the Cyber Age The evolution of the big band, from dance engine in the Jazz Age to grand composers’ outlet in the 21st century, is a journey through the development of American musical styles, from its roots in New York and Kansas City, to […]


Jazz Ensembles concert photo

Jazz Ensembles Concert

October 5, 2016 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – CSU Jazz Ensemble I, under the direction of Peter Sommer, and Jazz Ensemble II, under the direction of Wil Swindler, present the music of the great American bassist and composer Charles Mingus. Mingus, best known for his wild, improvisatory, blues-drenched compositions and fiery bass playing, is also known for seeking a bridge between Duke Ellington […]


Peter Sommer promotional photo

Virtuoso Series Concert, Peter Sommer Septet

September 12, 2016 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – CSU faculty members Peter Sommer and Wil Swindler, Saxophones and Clarinets. With special guests Al Hood, Trumpet; Paul McKee, Trombone; Ben Markley, Piano; Bijoux Barbossa, Bass; and Paul Romaine, Drums The Peter Sommer Septet, a four-horn jazz ensemble featuring guests from up and down the Front Range jazz community, performs swinging arrangements tailored for the […]


Jazz Combos Saxophone Students Performance Photo

Jazz Combos Concert

April 6, 2016 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Join the Jazz Combos for an evening of small group jazz and improvisation, highlighting student arrangements and compositions. The concert features Jazz Combos I, II and III under the direction of Shilo Stroman and Eli Cagen.


Jazz Ensemble performance photo

Jazz Ensembles Concert

April 21, 2016 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm –

CSU Jazz Ensembles I and II, directed by Peter Sommer and Wil Swindler, are joined by Corry Petersen, and the Poudre High School Jazz Ensemble, for a swinging collaboration between students from the university and the region in our continuing High School Invitational tradition.



Shilo Stroman pictured performing on drums

Jazz Ensembles Concert

February 24, 2016 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm –

The Jazz Ensembles share the stage with the great trombonist and composer, Marshall Gilkes, who has performed with great big bands around the world including the Maria Schneider Orchestra and the WDR Big Band. His most recent recording, “Koln,” features excellent and inventive arranging for big band. Jazz Ensembles I and II, under the direction of Peter Sommer and Wil Swindler, invite you to this special evening featuring this amazing improviser and composer!


Narrando Historia promotional screen

Peter Sommer and Quartet present Nuevo Historias

The Virtuoso Series at Colorado State University continues with a dynamic concert by faculty Peter Sommer and his quartet featuring Eric Gunnison, piano; Kent McLagan, bass; and Marc Dalio, drums. The concert will feature music from Sommer’s most recent release on Dazzle Recordings, Narrando Historias, as well as new compositions and improvisations with elements of […]