The Beat: CSU Stanislaus Jazz Ensemble

HOME BASE: Turlock

PLAYERS: Too many to list

SOUNDS LIKE: Directed by Andy Nevala, the Jazz Ensemble at California State University, Stanislaus, is active in performing a wide variety of styles; from the cutting-edge contemporary styles of writers such as Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Vince Mendoza and Bob Mintzer to the classics of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus. The jazz ensemble performs regular concerts on campus and at top local and regional jazz festivals.

BACKSTORY: By participating in the jazz ensemble and combos, the student who aspires to become a professional player will perform in a professional atmosphere with many of the same professional responsibilities. In both rehearsal and performance situations, the future aspiring professional jazz musician and/or music educator will be exposed to many different teaching techniques and concepts. Nevala has won national and international awards for composition, arranging, conducting and performing. He also is an active musician in the Bay Area and frequently tours with various groups throughout the U.S. and Europe.

QUOTE ME: "The CSU Stanislaus Jazz Ensemble has changed my life. Hopefully, for the better." -- bass and percussion player Josh Madruga

NEW MUSIC: The group is recording a CD. Videos of concerts are on YouTube.

NEXT GIG: The jazz ensemble will appear with The Collective at the CSU Stanislaus Jazz Festival today. On March 19, the ensemble will perform with singer Steve Lippia at Turlock Community Theatre. It also will be joined by Mike Williams, lead trumpeter with the Count Basie Orchestra. The show will feature the music of Frank Sinatra. CSU Stanislaus jazz combos perform Fridays at 10 p.m. at Galletto Ristorante in Modesto.

FIND ONLINE: www.csustan.edu/jazz

CALL TO BOOK: Andy Nevala, 667-3533