ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts seeks professional musicians nationwide for the formation of the Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra. Auditions will be held at the Dr. Phillips Center on February 27 and 28, 2017.
Jazz is officially recognized as a national treasure and a uniquely American art form of indigenous music. Often referred to as ‘America’s classical music,’ jazz is one of North America’s oldest and most celebrated musical genres. The history of jazz can be traced to its origins amongst African Americans in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From ragtime and blues to big band and bebop, jazz has been a part of a proud American music culture for more than 100 years.
Based on the deep roots and importance of jazz’ history, the formation of Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra showcases the arts center’s commitment to create and sustain its own professional jazz orchestra. This is the first collaboration of its kind between Jazz at Lincoln Center and a performing arts center.
Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra is led by Artistic Director Rodney Whitaker, an internationally-renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist. He currently holds the title of Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University where he has built one of the leading jazz degree programs and performing faculty in the United States. A proven and committed jazz educator, Whitaker has presented numerous master classes across the nation and is a member of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
“The Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra will influence the performance of jazz now and for generations to come with an exceptional caliber of talented jazz artists,” said Whitaker.
Auditions will take place at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts located at 155 E. Anderson Street, Orlando, FL 32801 by 10-minute appointments Monday, February 27 or Tuesday, February 28, 3-6 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.
Audition registration, requirements and music selections are available at www.drphillipscenter.org/jazz-orchestra.
As part of a unique programming partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center, Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis’ gift of charts will inspire the creation of a music library at Dr. Phillips Center.
“It is a privilege to work with Kathy Ramsberger and the talented team, donors and supporters of Dr. Phillips Center to build upon our shared passion and vision for music and our belief in the unique relevance of jazz to bring people together and lift them up,” said Wynton Marsalis, managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. ”We are proud to witness this remarkable commitment to music with Dr. Phillip Center in presenting a resident, professional jazz orchestra,” Marsalis continued.
These initiatives are made possible through a gift by benefactors Joyce and Judson Green. Their leadership in support of music programs is well-known with the establishment of many arts programs across the nation to create places of learning and appreciation of the arts by providing artistically diverse, stimulating and accessible programs.
“We believe Dr. Phillips Center is the heartbeat of our great city and look forward to the growth of the arts center to provide opportunities to bring international, national and local musical talent together. Our entire community will be able experience jazz in many ways and for many years to come,” noted Judson Green.
“We are honored to combine our love of music and our desire to contribute to the mission of the arts center to further enrich and educate the community about the importance and value of jazz,” Joyce Green continued.
“The combination of the full spectrum of jazz offerings from early childhood to high school through professional performances with the formation of the Dr. Phillips Center Jazz Orchestra confirms our commitment to jazz for the global arts community,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center.
About the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando, Florida. With its opening in November 2014, the performing arts center launched its vision of Arts for Every Life by being a gathering place for creativity and discovery; a vibrant urban destination where artists, audiences and students come to experience, explore and learn. The two-block community destination features the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces.
Future expansion includes Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat acoustical theater, along with rehearsal, classroom, office space and commercial development spaces. The Dr. Phillips Center is a private non-profit collaborating with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the State of Florida and generous donors.
Editor’s Note: Additional images, fact sheets and video may be downloaded from: Dr. Phillips Center Press Kit Dropbox. (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/63ud2kkxa6cbyjj/AAC2kjs86nqBdh0cfUBgjd3Ra?dl=0)
