DSO’S CIVIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA TO PERFROM NATIONAL ANTHEM AT TIGERS GAME
DETROIT, (July 16, 2014) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) Civic Jazz Orchestra has been selected to perform the National Anthem at the Tigers game Sunday, July 20 at 1 p.m.
Civic Jazz Orchestra Director Kris Johnson, a local prominent performer, composer, arranger and educator, has been chosen to throw the first pitch. Johnson tours with Count Basie Orchestra and has served as an artist in residence at Troy High School for more than five years. He also lectures at the Ohio State University, teaching jazz trumpet, jazz composition, and jazz theory, as well as directing the Art Blakey Jazz Combo.
Ten musicians of the Civic Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Tigers home game against the Cleveland Indians. The audition-only Civic Jazz Orchestra is the top jazz group in DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles (CYE), consisting of up to 20 musicians with ages ranging from 15-20 years old.
CYE offers training and performance opportunities for students of all ability levels, from elementary school students through adults. Members of CYE engage in one-on-one interactions with DSO musicians and internationally renowned artists, all while performing in the state of the art facilities of the Max M. Fisher Music Center.
The CYE’s season begins in September, and auditions run through August. Those interested in auditioning can email [email protected].
About Kris Johnson
Trumpet sensation Kris Johnson has appeared on an impressive list of albums including two Grammy Nominated releases: Tony Bennett’s “A Swingin’ Christmas” and Karen Clark Sheard’s “All In One.” Johnson tours internationally with the Count Basie Orchestra and is proud to be one of 24 Detroit-based artists to be selected as a 2012 Kresge Artist Fellow.
A passionate educator, Johnson is a full-time jazz lecturer and director of the Art Blakey Jazz Combo at the Ohio State University. He has a Master’s (2007) and Bachelor’s (2005) degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University and is an endorsed artist of CarolBrass instruments. He is also the director of DSO’s Civic Jazz Orchestra, which features some of Detroit’s most promising youth. His private students have received scholarships to various music programs and colleges including Manhattan School of Music, MSU, Interlochen Fine Arts Academy and Camp, and the Stanford Jazz Workshop. Johnson has also served as a jazz artist in residence at Troy High School since 2009.
About The DSO
Hailed by The New York Times as “cutting edge,” the internationally acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, is known for trailblazing performances, visionary maestros, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and an unwavering commitment to Detroit. Esteemed conductor Leonard Slatkin, called “America’s Music Director” by the Los Angeles Times, became the 12th Music Director of the DSO during the 2008-09. Acclaimed conductor, arranger, and trumpeter Jeff Tyzik serves as Principal Pops Conductor while celebrated trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard holds the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director Chair. The DSO’s performance schedule includes Classical, Pops, Jazz, Young People’s, Neighborhood concerts, and collaborations with chart-topping musicians from Smokey Robinson to Kid Rock. A commitment to broadcast innovation began in 1922 when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a radio broadcast and continues today with the free Live from Orchestra Hall webcast series. Making its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. Fisher Music Center, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact and serve the community through music. For more information visit dso.org or download the free DSO to Go mobile app.
