The Hope College Department of Music presents: “An Evening of Jazz— A Tribute to the Count Basie Orchestra” on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts on campus. The concert is free and open to the public.
Under the direction of Robert Shipley, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies, the Jazz Arts Collective
will perform selections honoring the rich musical legacy of Count Basie and his orchestra,
whose distinctive style helped define the sound of big band jazz by delivering unmistakable
swing and a powerful ensemble sound.
The evening will also feature two outstanding Hope jazz chamber ensembles: the Jazz Guitar Combo, directed by professor Lee Heerspink ’04, and the Steps Ahead Jazz Combo, directed by professor Tom Lockwood. Both ensembles will present an exciting variety of traditional and contemporary jazz repertoire, highlighting the creativity, musicianship, and improvisational artistry of Hope College students.
For assistance or accommodations, please contact the Hope College Events and Conferences Office at events@hope.edu or 616-395-7222 (weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Additional information about Hope College events is available at hope.edu/calendar.
About the Performers and Director
The Jazz Arts Collective is Hope College's premier large jazz ensemble, which explores
the rich traditions of big band jazz while embracing contemporary approaches to ensemble
performance and improvisation. Under Shipley's direction, the ensemble emphasizes
musical excellence, creativity and the collaborative spirit that defines jazz.
The Jazz Guitar Combo and Steps Ahead Jazz Combo complement the big band with performances featuring a diverse range of jazz styles, from beloved standards to contemporary compositions.
Shipley is an accomplished professional drummer with more than three decades of touring and recording experience, performing with internationally renowned artists including Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, The Temptations, The O'Jays and Chaka Khan. His career has included performances at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and on national television. He brings this extensive professional experience into the classroom and onto the concert stage, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians.