About the Jazz Ensemble
"Teacher, real-estate agent, computer technician, corporate tax examiner, software-development executive, small-business owner and other professions are represented in what single organization? Why, the Century College (formerly Lakewood College) Jazz Ensemble, of course! This 17 member big band gets together every Wednesday night for a two-hour class called Music 1017 (a.k.a. rehearsal) taught/directed by Century adjunct professor Larry Neumann." This is how Bob Protzman began his review of the Century College Jazz Ensembles' new CD Swing House (more on that later).
The Century Jazz Ensemble was created in 1981 by John Zdechlik at Century College, formerly Lakewood Community College, in White Bear Lake, MN. The group was created as an outlet for talented musicians who have an interest and ability in the area of big band jazz performance. Over the past 26 years the personnel has gradually changed although there are still five original members in the ensemble! Dr. Zdechlik retired from the college in 1997 at which time Larry Neumann took over the directing duties after having played in the band for 10 years.
In addition to the regular college concerts and jazz festivals, the group performs at various venues throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul and greater Minnesota. Notable past performances have included the National Music Educators Conference, Ordway Music Theater, MENC Music Conventions, KARE 11 television, KBEM Jazz Radio, as well as numerous summer concerts.
At their annual Jazz Festival the band teams up with the Century Foundation to raise money for student scholarships. Past featured artists at the festival include Clark Terry, Bobby Shew, Conte Candoli, Tom Harrell, Vaughn Nark, Wayne Bergeron, Bill Watros, Bruce Paulson, John Fedchock, Steve Wiest, Andy Martin, Terry Gibbs, Gary Smulyan, Bud Shank, Nick Brignola, Don Menza, Pete Christlieb, and Ernie Watts.
In June of 2006 the ensemble was invited for a two week musical tour of China. The trip was sponsored by the US-China Cultural and Education Foundation. The jazz ensemble brought big band jazz to a variety of music venues including concert halls, outdoor pavilions, schools, and clubs. The largest audience performed to was around 30,000!
In 1990 the band was selected by the United States Information Agency, a branch of the State Department, to tour as music ambassadors to South America. The 18 day tour was to the countries of Paraguay and Uruguay with the intent of promoting goodwill through the performance of American big band jazz.
The group has recorded on three different occasions starting with the release of Lullaby of the Leaves. This recording featured much of the South American tour. Together Again, and Swing House, are compilations of past concerts and band favorites featuring a wide variety of composers and styles. Copies of the CDs can be obtained by calling 651-747-4033.