The U.S. Army Blues Concert

Thursday, January 26 | 7:30 PM

Program

Dr. Kent Eshelman

Dr. Kent Eshelman is Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Baylor University. He holds degrees from Michigan State University (D.M.A.), the University of Wisconsin-Madison (M.M.), and the University of Michigan (B.M., B.F.A.), and he has taught at Northern Arizona University, Western Kentucky University, Grand Valley State University, and the Interlochen Arts Camp. Dr. Eshelman has won first place in the Leonard Falcone International Competition (Artist and Student divisions), the Jeju (Korea) International Brass Competition, the Midland-Odessa National Young Artist Competition, and the Rich Matteson International Jazz Competition. His jazz tuba CD, Life Is Good, is available on PKO Records.

David Bandman

A native of Waukegan, IL, David is a graduate of The University of North Texas, recipient of the Rich Matteson scholarship and was a member of the One O’Clock Lab Band. He was the first winner of the ITEC jazz euphonium solo competition. Newly retired from The Air Force Band, Washington D.C., he’s an active composer/arranger/freelance musician. Available at euphoniumjazz.com, Sammy Nestico recently said of his new big band euphonium jazz CD “Can I Play Too”, “Solo work reflects musicianship by one of the greatest soloists I’ve ever heard!…tailored arrangements made everything “fit” perfectly and are superb… A very unique recording”.

The U.S. Army Blues

The U.S. Army Blues began as The U.S. Army Dance Band in 1942, officially becoming recognized in its current form in 1972. Over the years, it has evolved into the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army. In keeping with the tradition of America’s only original art form, jazz, The Army Blues strives to preserve the music of such big band legends as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The ensemble has performed at numerous world-renowned venues, including the Monterey and Montreux Jazz Festivals. In addition to live performanc- es, the mission of the ensemble includes educational outreach and recruitment.

CW5 Charles H. Vollherbst

CW5 Charles H. Vollherbst is a native of Maplewood, New Jersey, and serves as the director of The U.S. Army Blues. Vollherbst studied percussion at SUNY Oneonta and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music from Regents College, Albany, New York, and a Master of Music degree in Conducting from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. He entered the Army in 1978 as a per- cussionist and attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course in 1987. He has earned numerous military and civilian awards, to include the honorary Order of St. Martin.