Faculty and students from the School of Music jam with members of the Count Basie Orchestra during the annual Jazz Festival Feb. 15. Jazz Ensemble performers include Dennis Wilson, assistant professor of jazz and improvisational studies and executive director of the festival, and students Bobby Streng on alto saxophone (left) and Nick Wilczynski on tenor sax. (Photos by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services) The governor declared it Ella Fitzgerald Day, and vocalist Sunny Wilkinson was on hand to pay a tribute to the “First Lady of Song.” Middle and high school students from 19 schools converged on the Power Center for a day of activities sponsored by the School of Music, including clinics, performance opportunities, master classes and seminars. At the end of the concert, a high school student was named outstanding performer and was invited to play with the Basie Orchestra. The group performed an original composition by Wilson, called “This One’s for Jim,” written in honor of festival sponsor Jim Irwin. Another festival guest was Ed Shaughnessy, perhaps the greatest living big band drummer. An annual event, the Jazz Festival will continue in 2004 with a celebration of Count Basie’s 100th anniversary.
