#Kansas city jazz orchestra pics series

Mair is a veteran at organizing instrumental groups. “We chose the name New Century in preparation of KCKCC’s 100th birthday in 2023 and we’re featuring Marlin Cooper to honor his legacy as one of the very first educators at the college level teaching jazz education in Kansas City,” Mair said.

The debut featured guest soloist and co-director Marlin Cooper, KCKCC’s instrumental band director for 27 years (1972-1999).ĭirector of Instrumental Studies at KCKCC Jim Mair has founded and directed the New Century Big Band, so named in preparation for KCKCC’s 100th birthday in 2023. Organized and directed by Jim Mair, KCKCC director of instrumental music, the band made its public debut Thursday night at the Mason Jar Restaurant at 94th just south of State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.

#Kansas city jazz orchestra pics series

Held by well-known jazz icon Tim Whitmer, it’s the longest running jazz series featuring local jazz musicians. In many cases, such as the New Century Big Band, they also give direction, experience and motivation to a new wave of up-and-coming jazz musicians at Kansas City Kansas Community College.Īn elite group of musicians made up of KCKCC alumni, music educators and graduates and present and future students, the New Century Jazz Band will make its formal debut in “Spirituality and All That Jazz” series Wednesday at 7 p.m. Old musicians don’t fade away, they just keep playing. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)īy Alan Hoskins, KCKCC (originally posted at Aug 2nd, 2019)

The band is honoring Cooper for his legacy as one of the very first to teach jazz education at the college level in Kansas City. Former KCKCC Director of Bands Marlin Cooper was guest soloist at the first performance of the New Century Big Band at the Mason Jar Wednesday.