Jazz musician to visit USD

Students and community members have the opportunity to attend clinics with guest saxophonist Bob Mintzer April 17.

Mintzer is a 20-year member of the Grammy award winning Yellowjackets, who also leads a Grammy winning Big Band, travels with his own Quartet and plays with numerous bands globally.

Mintzer is the recipient of the Buzz McCoy endowed chair of jazz studies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Christopher Kocher, associate professor of saxophone and jazz studies said visits from artists can be an inspirational experience for students.

“He’s really one of the greatest saxophonists living and playing today,” he said.

Mintzer will present two clinics, or presentations, Wednesday focusing on jazz improvisations as well as jazz composition.

Kocher said the visit will give students a chance to interact with him and see what his career is like.

“It’s really the same as having great scientists come in and give a lecture,” Kocher said. “It’s an expert in the field and someone who is out and doing this as a profession. It really just elevates the level of everyone involved.”

Junior and music education major Terry Kenny said the department brings in a guest artist almost every year.

“It’s a good experience with a professional artist that performs and teaches for a living,” he said. “It’s more of a thing to get students really excited and to continue pursuing music.”

USD’s Jazz Ensembles is presenting their spring concert, featuring Mintzer, 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Colton Recital Hall.