Fresno State Jazz Orchestra (Music 103JO)
Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr, Director
The Fresno State Jazz Orchestra has consistently been one of the top jazz ensembles
on the West Coast for over four decades. Led for many years by Dr. Larry Sutherland,
other directors have included Dr. James Miley, Paul Shaghoian, Dr. Alan Durst, and
Dr. Michael Caldwell. The history of the ensemble includes first place awards at the
Reno Jazz Festival and The Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival. The group has appeared
in Europe and Japan, as well as many festivals throughout the United States, including
the National Collegiate Jazz Festival and the Kent-Meridian Festival at the Seattle
Opera House. Under the direction of Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr., the Fresno State Jazz
Orchestra has performed with Gerald Clayton, Keyon Harrold, Damion Reid, Mary Halvorson,
Francisco Torres, Chris Speed, and Melissa Aldana, just to name a few.
They are currently in the mixing and mastering stage of their latest EP which features
original student compositions. Please check out their Bandcamp page for that upcoming
release! https://fresnostatejazzstudies.bandcamp.com/album/the-covid-sessions
More information on FresnoStateBands.com
Fresno State Jazz Ensemble (Music 102JE)
Dr. Otto Lee, Director
The Fresno State Jazz Ensemble is the "B" band to the Jazz Orchestra, but is a dominating
ensemble in its own right, and features music majors and non-music majors alike. The
group is under the direction of Dr. Otto Lee. The group consistently earns high marks
at the Reno Jazz Festival and boasts musicians highly sought after for performances
in the San Joaquin Valley.
More information on FresnoStateBands.com
Fresno State Combos (Music 117JC)
Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr, Director
Dr. Otto Lee, Director
John Martin III, Director
These groups perform several times each semester for events on and off campus, including
the highly acclaimed "Jazz at Wahlberg" concert.
John Martin III is our newest Jazz Faculty member at Fresno State and his group celebrates
Latin Jazz from all around the Americas.
More information on FresnoStateBands.com
