Recently students from the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University came into the WBGO Studios for a taping of a special performance by the Dave Stryker Jazz Combo, kicking off Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM). The students were accompanied by the guitarist and band director, who serves as one of the school’s Adjunct Professors.
Noted pianist Oscar Perez serves as Coordinator and Professor of the Jazz Studies Program at the school. The current lineup of Stryker’s Jazz Combo are: Nico Martin (alto sax); Rodrigo Romero (tenor sax); Derick Campos (guitar); Pierce Sparnroft (vibraphone); Felipe Orozco (bass); Zack Perez (drums).
“It was impressive to see Dave work with and jam with his students,” said Carolyn Bednarski, producer of the JAM series at WBGO. “The students from the Cali School of Music really impressed us with their artistry and cohesion. We are happy to present them as the first in a series of special performances during Jazz Appreciation Month.”
Appearing in this series in the coming weeks during Jazz Appreciation Month are ensembles from the jazz programs of schools such as Rutgers University, Manhattan School of Music, Newark Arts High School, City University of New York, William Paterson University and New York University.
Funding for this series was made possible by a generous grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Watch their performance here: