Guest Musicians and Gardner-Webb University Faculty Featured in 2021 Brass Fest

Wycliffe Gordon, 13-time Trombonist of the Year, Headlines Masterclass and Performance

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is the featured performer for Gardner-Webb University’s 2021 Brass Fest on March 21. A masterclass will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium and the concert will be at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Gordon is the director of Jazz Studies at Augusta (Ga.) University. He performs all over the world and has received several honors and recognitions. Because of COVID-19, social distancing will be observed, and only 100 people will be allowed in the audience for the free concert. The class is also free with limitations on audience size. Reserve a seat for the concert and/or the class here.

Others who will participate in the class and the concert are:

• The GWU Faculty Jazz Trio—Dr. Mark Cole, drums; Jay Seagrave, piano and Robert Nance, bass
• Musicians: Antonio Marti, principal trumpet, Charleston Symphony; and James Ackley, professor of trumpet, University of South Carolina (Columbia); and Charles Schlueter, retired principal trumpet, Boston Symphony (Massachusetts).
• The GWU brass faculty with Tim Hudson, trumpet, Charleston Symphony and Carolina Brass; Bob Campbell, principal horn, Greensboro (N.C.) Symphony Orchestra (GSO), Winston-Salem (N.C.) Symphony Orchestra (WSS), and Carolina Brass; and Dave Wulfeck, trombone and low brass, GSO, WSS, and Carolina Brass. 

Gordon’s accolades include being named the 2020 Trombonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association for a record-breaking 13th time. He’s also topped Downbeat Critics Poll for “Best Trombone” for an unprecedented six times since 2012. Last year, he was the recipient of the “Louie Award,” the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. Gordon is a prolific recording artist and is extremely popular for his unmatched signature sound, plunger technique and unique vocals. He can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries.

In addition to an exceptionally successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading his quintet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. He is commissioned frequently, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music. Musicians and ensembles of every caliber perform his music throughout the world and his arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe.

Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor’s “Jazz at the Kennedy Center” Series. Gordon is also one of America’s most committed music educators, presenting master classes, clinics, workshops, children’s concerts and lectures to students from elementary schools to universities all over the world. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass.

For more information about the program, text 704-466-4710.   

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call (704) 406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.