Clark College Fall Jazz Band Concert: Introducing Jazz Band II

Vancouver, WA —  The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris present their Fall Concert on Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm in the Gaiser Student Center, Clark College Campus. Admission to the performance free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Music Department are welcome at the door.

 “How often do you have a chance to witness history? Well, on November 23rd, 2024, you have the opportunity to do so! I am proud to introduce the newest ensemble at Clark College: our second Jazz Band! The growth of the program at Clark has been amazing and we are so excited to share it with you,” said Harris. “Our first concert this year showcases both Jazz I and II and we will present the music of a wide range of composers, to include Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gordon Goodwin and Mercer Ellington, among others. Along with the first performance of Jazz II, Jazz has begun its preparations for our upcoming trip to Cuba in the Spring of 2025…sure to be a life-changing experience for all of us. We look forward to seeing you there.”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz band, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Bio

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since 2018 after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at both Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. 

His conducting teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Dr. Raymond Chobaz, Dr. German Gutierez, Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton, and has studied with Douglas Akey, Stanley Derusha, John Paynter and Frank Batiste. At his most recent high school, Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, FL., his concert and jazz bands were recognized as being among the elite in the state, regularly receiving highest marks at district and state festivals. The Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the University of Florida Invitational Concert Band Festival as well as the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis. The top jazz band performed at, and won, jazz festivals in Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and has earned praise while performing with jazz notables such as Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, Marc Dickman, Christian Tamburr, Maynard Ferguson, David Steinmeyer, Bobby Shew and Portland’s own Charlie Porter.