North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo I

North Carolina Central University’s Jazz Studies program has earned a reputation as one of the premier university programs. Started by the great jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd and brought to prominence by legendary saxophonist, flutist and educator Dr. Ira Wiggins, NCCU’s jazz faculty include Artists-in-Residence Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo, in addition to department faculty Robert Trowers (trombone); Albert Strong (trumpet); Lenora Helm Hammonds (vocals and director, Vocal Jazz Ensemble); Mavis Poole (vocals); Jim Crew (piano); Thomas Taylor (drums and percussion); Damon Brown (bass), and Dr. Aaron Hill (saxophone).

Large and small jazz ensembles from NCCU are frequently featured at major venues, festivals, and conferences such as the Jazz Education Network’s annual conference, the Newport, Montreux, and Vienne jazz festivals, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Conference. NCCU’s Jazz Combo I has also appeared for the last three years at the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship Combo Showcase at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

North Carolina Central University Jazz Combo I
Prof. Robert Trowers, director
Curtis Olawumi, trumpet
Ezra Tutt, alto saxophone
Brandon Seaforth, trombone
Joshua Rorrer, tenor saxophone
Jonah Smith, piano
Kenneth Gay, bass
Chrishawn Darby, drums
Margaret Johnson, Debbie Long, vocal