
Fresno State Jazz Orchestra (Music 103JO)
Richard Giddens Jr, Director
The Fresno State Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Dr.Richard Giddens Jr, has
consistently been one of the top jazz ensembles on the West Coast for over three decades.
Led, for many years, by Dr. Larry Sutherland, other directors have included Dr. James
Miley, Paul Shaghoian and Dr. Michael Caldwell. Caldwell has led the group from 2002
to 2008, a period in which the group has received all superior ratings for four years
at the Reno Jazz Festival. The group recently produced a CD, “Day Dream,” featuring
compositions by former member Josh Appleby. 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 Stated, including the National Collegiate Jazz Festival and the Kent-Meridian
Festival at the Seattle Opera House.
More information on FresnoStateBands.com
Fresno State Jazz Ensemble (Music 103JE)
Richard Giddens Jr, 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 Richard Giddens. 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 Jazztet (Music 103JC)
Richard Giddens Jr, Director
The Fresno State Jazztet is a small combo group that performs several times a semester, including the highly
acclaimed "Jazz at the Bucket." This group is audition only and is consistently made
up of Jazz Majors.
More information on FresnoStateBands.com