UAB Jazz Ensemble

The UAB Jazz Ensemble is a student jazz orchestra sponsored by the Music Department of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It has been led by a series of notable directors, such as Cleveland Eaton (1996–1998), Ray Reach (1998–2005) and Mark Lanter (2005–2007).

In 2005, under Reach's direction, the UAB Jazz Ensemble was chosen as a "Band of Distinction" (the top award) at the Annual Student Jazz Festival at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. The ensemble gives concerts at UAB's Alys Stephens Center and at local venues such as Ona's Music Room.

The UAB Jazz Ensemble has recorded and performed with notable jazz artists such as Lou Marini, Lew Soloff, Ken Watters and Eric Essix. Their recordings are known for their professional quality and skill of execution.

Notable Alumni

Under the direction of Ray Reach, the UAB Jazz Ensemble was a training ground for a number of notable alumni who are distinguished in the classical, jazz and R & B genre, including:

• Coleman Woodson, founding member of American Idol Reuben Studdard's band, Just A Few Cats.
• Tim George - drummer for Just A Few Cats.
• Carla Stovall - Trombonist, Euphonium player, cast member of the Broadway show Blast. Former principal trombonist for the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Now pursuing a DMA in trombone performance at the University of Alabama.
• Chad Fisher - Trombonist, arranger, composer, member of the Tuscaloosa Horns. Leader of the Chad Fisher Group, voted "Best Jazz Group" at the 2007 BAMA Awards. Currently on the music faculty of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
• Abe Becker - Bassist (acoustic and electric), arranger, composer. Currently on the music faculty of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

External Links

• Cleveland Eaton official website
• Ray Reach at All About Jazz
• Mark Lanter bio at UAB Department of Music website