Jim Waller is in the middle of his third year as Director of the University of the Incarnate Word Jazz Ensemble. Thanks to the participation of local professional musicians, the ensemble has grown to a full stage band with eight brass, five reeds, and four rhythm. "We've had many of the best musicians in San Antonio performing with us which has been an invaluable experience for our students. I want to take this opportunity to thank them all by name: Al Gomez, John Magaldi, Rick Horn, Dale Shultz, Richard Garza, Tim McWright, Rick Ruiz, Mark Hill, Morgan King, Steve Golihar, Adrian Ruiz, Mariano Escobedo, Mick Pittsley, Jerrold Feigenbaum, Karlos Elizondo, John Panzarella, Heather Kirschner, Bugz Garza, Ed Sherry, James Oxley, Roger Escobar, Travis Dieroff, Richard Oppenhiem, Charlie Frost, Luvine Elias, Scott Fisher, and David Kline, Also, we've had many talented students from other schools in the ensemble including James Matthews and Brian Saldana from UTSA and Steve Silva, Nick King, Lester Washington, Anthony Perales, and Devin Guerrero from SAC. I'd also like to thank three oustanding composer/arrangers for contributing their arrangements to the ensemble, Dr. Ken Metz, Jim Mahaffey, and Mark Pomerantz".

This year's highlights include the ensemble’s second performance at the Texas State Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi in October, 2007, one on-campus concert, and two concerts at The Cove restaurant. Upcoming concerts include:

• Thursday, March 6th in Palestrina Hall, UIW Fine Arts Building at 7:30 pm, free admission

• Saturday, April 12th,“Jazz Market” afternoon performance, downtown, time: TBA,

• Friday, April 25th, St. Mary’s Fiesta Jazz Festival, afternoon, time:TBA,

• Thursday, May 1st, Palestrina Hall, UIW Fine Arts Building @ 7:30 pm, free admission

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Waltz for Laura 2005 (small group) | Waltz for Laura 2007 (8 brass 5 reeds 3 rhythm)