Director of Jazz Studies and Trombone Artist-in-Residence Matthew Niess, D.M.A., directed and performed in a number of projects during the 2021 spring and summer season. Highlights include:
- Performing with The Capitol Bones at Shenandoah Conservatory’s Jazzathon on the main campus of Shenandoah University on April 10.
- Serving as a clinician and directing the 2021 South Dakota All-State Jazz Ensemble from May 6 to May 8 in Mitchell, South Dakota. Visit watch.sdpb.org/video/2021-all-state-jazz-band-sjlmc9/ to watch and learn more.
- Releasing his fourth CD in April 2021 with The Capitol Bones on the Summit Label. The CD has been in the top 50 airplay charts for several weeks.
- Appearing with pianist Fred Hughes on “Jazz Tales” on April 14, in Royal Oak, Maryland.
- Performing with Shenandoah Conservatory jazz students as part of the Sunday Art in the Park series presented by Reston Town Center Association and Reston Community Center in partnership with Shenandoah Conservatory on June 13 and on August 1.
- Directing the 13th annual National Jazz Workshop at Shenandoah University from July 19 through July 23.
- Producing a Shenandoah University Alumni Jazz Ensemble concert in honor of Harrison Endowed Chair in Piano; Director of Jazz Studies; Associate Professor of Jazz Piano Robert Larson ’08, D.M.A., for his 39 years of service to Shenandoah Conservatory with more 30 alumni from as far back as 1975. The band presented the concert on July 22 and was directed by alumnus Alan Baylock ’90.
- Co-directing the DC Trombone Workshop at Shenandoah University from July 26 through July 30.
- Performing with The Capitol Bones at the DC Trombone Workshop at Shenandoah University on July 26.
