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Contact: Jason Marton
jason.marton@tamuk.edu or 361-593-4143

Trumpeter Claudio Roditi highlights 39th Annual Jazz Festival


Claudio Roditi

KINGSVILLE (March 10, 2006) — A performance by Claudio Roditi, noted Brazilian trumpeter/flugelhorn player, will highlight the 39 th annual Texas A&M University-Kingsville Jazz Festival Friday and Saturday, March 24-25.

Twenty-four middle school and high school jazz bands are expected to perform in Jones Auditorium, located on the Texas A&M-Kingsville campus.

Bands will be coming from as far away as Austin to the north, Weslaco to the south, Houston to the east and Rio Grande City to the west.

The festival begins at 4 p.m. Friday, March 24, when junior high school jazz bands compete. The evening concert begins at 5:15 p.m. with A&M-Kingsville’s Jazz Combos I and II, and Jazz Band III. They will be followed by the awards presentation for the earlier competition. Both events are held in Jones Auditorium and admission is free.

Saturday, March 25, activities will begin at 8 a.m. with the high school jazz band competition and run until 5:30 p.m. The competition will be held in Jones Auditorium. Admission is free.

Guest artist Roditi will conduct a jazz clinic at noon in the Bellamah Music Building Recital Hall Saturday, March 25. Admission is free.

The Saturday evening concert begins at 7 p.m. with A&M-Kingsville’s Jazz Band II, followed by headliner Claudio Roditi and A&M-Kingsville’s Jazz Band I. The night concludes with the festival awards presentation. Tickets are $10 for the evening concert. To request tickets, which are selling quickly, call 361-593-2803.

Guest artist Roditi integrates post-bop elements and Brazilian rhythms into his musical palette. His work as a trumpeter/flugelhorn player keeps him in demand as a leader, a studio musician and a sideman.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Roditi began his musical studies at age five and was named a finalist in the International Jazz Competition at age 20. After studying at the Berklee College of Music and teaching at the School of Contemporary Music, Roditi moved to New York City and began performing and recording with a host of jazz notables. Among them were Joe Henderson, Herbie Mann, Tito Puente and Paquito D’Rivera. Beginning in 1989, he traveled for several years as a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nation Orchestra.

In addition, Roditi maintained successful solo efforts. One of those more notable works was Symphonic Bossa Nova, with Ettore Stratta and the Royal Philharmonic, which earned Roditi a 1995 Grammy nomination. In total, Roditi has 17 albums to his credit.

His work as a jazz educator is extensive and international. Roditi has taught workshops and clinics at Rutgers University; the Stanford Jazz Workshop; the Eastman School of Music; the Rotterdam Conservatory; and the Swiss Jazz School.

Currently a resident of New Jersey, Roditi leads his own band and tours worldwide with several leading jazz groups.

To request tickets or for more information on the 39 th Annual Texas A&M University-Kingsville Jazz Festival, call 361-593-2803.

This page last updated 10 March, 2006