Jazz at Grand Valley
Jazz Performance
Large Jazz Ensemble
Our Large Jazz Ensemble performs both traditional and contemporary jazz music, including new works composed especially for us. We perform concerts, at dances, on tours, and at jazz festivals. Open to music majors and non-majors. Audition required.
Small Jazz Ensembles
The small ensembles focus on mastery of tunes from the jazz repertoire. Emphasis is on improvisation and arranging using lead sheets and original compositions. Interview with instructor is required prior to registration.
Private Lessons in Jazz Performance
Students interested in performance are encouraged to study their instruments with our classical performance faculty. In addition, opportunities exist for specialized study in jazz keyboard, guitar, percussion, and jazz bass.
Jazz Course Offerings
Jazz Theory
Two-semester sequence of courses that explore chord voicings, contemporary jazz harmonic progressions, substitute progressions and various scales used in the jazz idiom. Substantial analysis of tunes taken from the jazz repertoire. You must have completed two years of music theory study at the college level and have permission of the instructor to register.
Composition
A tutorial course in which students pursue their own creative projects. By permission of the instructor.
[1739982503].jpg)
Michael Drost
Director of Jazz Ensembles
Michael Drost is a professor of jazz at Grand Valley State University
where he teaches jazz improvisation, jazz guitar, jazz bass and
coaches the small jazz ensembles. Michael divides his time
performing and teaching in jazz throughout West Michigan. Michael's
versatility as a multi-instrumentalist has allowed him to share the
stage with an eclectic mix of musicians including Caissie Levy
(Wicked, Ghost), Jonathan Brandmeier, Frank Stallone, John Slade, Paul
Mabin, Michael Harvey, Mel Torme, Kenny Werner, Darmon Meader, and the
touring cast of “Anything Goes”. Throughout his career Michael has
performed with many notable Midwest musical groups and artists such as
the Take Three Jazz Trio, Standing Room Only Orchestra, Generations,
Groove Merchant, Groove Solution, Daniel James Band, NYCO, Three Cent
Stomp and the Holland Symphony Orchestra.
As a multi-instrumentalist/composer/music producer Michael has
been a regular in many studios and jingle houses. His playing and
compositions can be heard on television and radio ads, including spots
for Amtrak, Discover Card, Comcast Sports, CNN Sports Retro, America's
Test Kitchen, The Musky Hunter, Tim Hawkin's Comedy, The Huntin' Junky
and many more. Much of Michael's most recent music production work has
been composed and produced for a royalty free music library named
Digital Juice. His music continues to receive national and
international network placement.
Michael graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. from Western Michigan
University. During his formative years Drost studied with Craig
Linenberger, Steve Zegree, Trent Kynaston, Fareed Haque, Tom Knific
and Bob Palmieri. While at WMU, Michael received two Down Beat
magazine awards: "Best Jazz Instrumentalist" and "Best
Blues/Pop/Rock Group".
For more information or to schedule a meeting or an audition, contact:
Michael Drost
[email protected]
During the summer:
Office of Music Theatre and Dance
(616) 331-3484