UAB Jazz Ensemble

The UAB Jazz Ensemble is a student jazz orchestra sponsored by the Music Department of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It has been led by a series of notable directors, such as Cleveland Eaton (1996–1998), Ray Reach (1998–2005) and Mark Lanter (2005–2007).

In 2005, under Reach's direction, the UAB Jazz Ensemble was chosen as a "Band of Distinction" (the top award) at the Annual Student Jazz Festival at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. The ensemble gives concerts at UAB's Alys Stephens Center and at local venues such as Ona's Music Room.

Notable Alumni

Under the direction of Ray Reach, the UAB Jazz Ensemble was a training ground for a number of notable alumni who are distinguished in the classical, jazz and R & B genre, including:

• Coleman Woodson, founding member of American Idol Reuben Studdard's band, Just A Few Cats.
• Tim George - drummer for Just A Few Cats.
• Carla Stovall - Trombonist, Euphonium player, cast member of Blast. Former principal trombonist for the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Now pursuing the DMA in trombone performance at the University of Alabama.
• Chad Fisher - Trombonist, arranger, composer, member of the Tuscaloosa Horns. Leader of the Chad Fisher Group, voted "Best Jazz Group" at the 2007 BAMA Awards.

External Links

• Cleveland Eaton official website
• Ray Reach at All About Jazz
• Mark Lanter bio at UAB Department of Music website