Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Program Soars Again

Huston-Tillotson University's jazz program is undergoing a significant resurgence, reconnecting students with a powerful musical heritage shaped by jazz icons. Led by a dedicated team, the revitalized program is creating a vibrant force in the American jazz scene and achieving prestigious accolades.

A Legacy of Jazz Giants

The revival is taking shape in a rehearsal room on an East Austin hillside, filled with the sounds of brass instruments. This program isn’t simply a musical endeavor; it’s a living embodiment of history, where the past and present converge. The 17-piece big band, rebuilt over the last five years, is reclaiming its heritage.

Echoes of the Past

The Huston-Tillotson jazz program honors a tradition shaped by collaborators of Count Basie, alumni of Duke Ellington, and artists connected to Miles Davis and B.B. King. Carmen Bradford, a Huston-Tillotson alumna and vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra, represents the enduring legacy students strive to continue. The university’s roots, stemming from a merger, are deeply embedded in the African American musical tradition.

Rebuilding and Revitalization

William Oliver, the university’s director of bands, arrived in 2020 and recognized the need to rebuild and reinvigorate the program. This mission has transformed into a powerful musical movement, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. He describes the program’s ascent as a “return to greatness.”

National Recognition

Dr. Jeremy George, leading jazz studies at the university, describes the program’s evolution as “tremendous.” The program’s journey included a competition in Nashville and a residency in Virginia, culminating in a third-place finish at the National Collegiate Jazz Competition. This achievement symbolizes the program’s progress and the dedication of students and faculty.

A Future Built on Tradition

The music created is not merely an imitation of the past, but a fresh interpretation of a rich musical heritage. This revival is fostering a vibrant jazz scene in Austin and beyond, solidifying the University’s legacy and inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians.