The members frequently participate in community residencies throughout Michigan and conduct workshops, concerts, and master classes with children in various Michigan public schools through the College of Music’s outreach and engagement program. Over the past 25 years, he has performed and toured with more than 100 legendary performing jazz artists.Ĭomprised of Jazz Orchestra I students, the group’s instrumentation includes saxophone, trombone, trumpet, bass, drums, piano, and guitar. A Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at MSU, Whitaker has built one of the nation’s leading jazz degree programs and performing faculty. The Be-Bop Spartans are conducted by internationally renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist, Rodney Whitaker.
Tickets are $5 general admission and free for any student with ID. The event, which begins at 3 p.m., is sponsored by the Muskegon Community College music program. Special guest artist will be jazz drummer Kenny Washington, who has compiled an enormous discography, performing on dozens of sessions by many prominent jazz figures, including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton.