Unified Jazz Ensemble

• About the Artist:

  The Unified Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to bringing the best of jazz to audiences of all ages. Founded in 1992, the UJE presents innovative performances of jazz standards and original compositions. This engaging group connects music with science, history, and culture, and leads adventures in rhythms, instruments, and improvisation. With five recordings and years of experience to their credit, Mike Noonan (trombone and vibraphone), John Pineda (bass), Frank Russo (drums), and Tim Stanley (trumpet) have appeared on national radio and television, and at jazz festivals, universities, and clubs worldwide. Now based in Annapolis, the group spent four years as the flagship ensemble for the highly successful National Endowment for the Arts “Rural Residency Arts Initiative,” composing, performing, and teaching jazz music to both adults and children. They are the recipients of a Chamber Music of America grant, which funded outreach performances and residencies in underserved communities in Maryland.

  MSAC Teaching Artist Roster - MSAC Arts in Education (AiE) Grant funds available

  Category:

  • Music

  Type of Programs Offered

  • residency
  • workshop
  • auditorium
• • Learning About Jazz

    Description:
    

    The Unified Jazz Ensemble celebrates the birth and development of jazz through different eras – early jazz, swing, be-bop, and contemporary – focusing on contributors such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin, and including songs both familiar and new to young audiences. The ensemble draws correlations between rhythm, math, music, and memory, with a hands-on exploration of jazz instruments and an emphasis on improvisation and teamwork. Also available as a workshop/residency. (trio program)

    Workshops/Residencies: Contact Artivate

    Appropriate Grade Levels:
    K - 12

    Curriculum Connections
    

    Music, Language Arts, Social Studies, STEM, Character/SEL

    This program is offered as:

    • residency
    • workshop
    • auditorium
  • Sounds and Rhythms of Latin Jazz

    Description:
    

    A fascinating introduction to classic Latin jazz songs with a focus on the “gotta move” rhythms and unique sounds of samba and bossa nova. The contributions of composers and musicians such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Stan Getz, and Dizzy Gillespie in the history of Latin jazz are also explored. Audience participation is a highlight of the program, as students learn about African-inspired clave rhythms and how to create them. Also available as a workshop/residency. (trio program)

    Workshops/Residencies: Contact Artivate

    Appropriate Grade Levels:
    K - 12

    Curriculum Connections
    

    Music, Language Arts, Social Studies, STEM, Character/SEL

    This program is offered as:

    • residency
    • workshop
    • auditorium
  • The American Music Heritage

    Description:
    

    Discover the history and sounds of American heritage music – also known as early jazz – with the UJE quartet. This buoyant, exciting American musical form developed in cities like New Orleans, Baltimore, and New York in the early 1900s, influenced by marching band traditions and African and European musical styles. UJE’s dynamic musicians introduce popular American heritage songs and show how the horns and rhythm section work together to create soaring melodies, playful improvised solos, and a driving beat. Also available as a workshop/residency. (quartet program)

    Workshops/Residencies: Contact Artivate

    Appropriate Grade Levels:
    K - 12

    Curriculum Connections
    

    Music, Language Arts, Social Studies, STEM, Character/SEL

    This program is offered as:

    • residency
    • workshop
    • auditorium

• Artist's featured work:

  Artist's videos:

• Name or Art Agency:
  Artivate, Inc.
  Email:
  [email protected]
  Phone:
  (301) 588-7525
  State / County:
  Maryland

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