Jazz Studies Faculty
Jack Cooper
Director of Jazz Studies
Area Coordinator
jcooper1@memphis.edu
Alvie Givhan
Jazz Piano
agivhan@memphis.edu
Sam Shoup
Popular Music & Jazz
srshoup@memphis.edu
Michael Shults
Saxophone
mashults@memphis.edu
Recent Research & Creative Activity
2021
- Jack Cooper was the arranger and producer in collaboration with Jiggs Whigham, the
Berlin Jazz Orchestra, and March Secara for the album “Songs of Berlin” with GAM Music.
This album was released in October 2021 which presents all hues of contemporary Big
Bang Sound.
- Michael Shults is the lead tenor saxophonist with Memphis Jazz Orchestra in their
thirty year-long standing residency at Alfred's on Beale.
- Michael Shults is the competition committee chair for the North American Saxophone
Alliance Collegiate Jazz Competition.
|
2020
- Jack Cooper received the Pearl Wales Professor of Music.This professorship provides
recognition to faculty that have presented outstanding teaching, research and service
to the profession and achieved a high level of national and international recognition.
- Jack Cooper received the University of Memphis College of Communication and Fine Arts
Dean’s Creative Achievement Award.
|
2019
- Jack Cooper recorded two new works that were commissioned by Bernie Dresel’s BBB Big
Band. It premiered at Vibrato in Los Angeles.
|