Jazz Ensembles I & II With SKWHIRL Rock Band
2128 Fourth Street South
Minneapolis,
MN
55455
University of Minnesota Jazz Ensembles I and II
Dean Sorenson, Director
School of Music Rock Band
Del Lyren, Director
Special guest Cory Wong, guitar and composer
This School of Music event is free & open to the public. A livestream will be available (click on the Ted Mann Concert Hall link in the right callout box).
Jazz Ensembles I & II With SKWHIRL Rock Band Program (opens PDF, an accessible version is found below).
Jazz Ensemble II
Hard Bargain | Mike Tomaro
The Fire Within | Jamey Simmons
Down Home | Dean Sorenson
with Cory Wong
SKWHIRL - Rock Band
Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Jeff Bhasker, Philip Lawrence
Superstition | Stevie Wonder
with Cory Wong
Are You Gonna Be My Girl | Nic Cester, Cameron Muncey
Sweet Emotion | Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton
St. Paul | Cory Wong
with Cory Wong
Just a Girl | Gwen Stefani, Tom Dumont
Bring Me To Life | Amy Lee, Ben Moody, David Hodges
Let's Go Crazy | Prince Rogers Nelson
with Cory Wong
Jazz Ensemble I
Gotham City | Steve Wiest
The Game is Over | Jukka Linkola
Cuttin’ Back | Cory Wong and Jazz Ensemble I
with Cory Wong
Gumshu | Cory Wong
with Cory Wong
Bodhisattva | Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, arr. Fred Sturm
with Cory Wong
Jazz Ensemble I with Rock Band
Bluebird | Cory Wong
with Cory Wong
Dean Sorenson is associate professor and director of jazz studies at the University of Minnesota as well as a prolific and highly sought-after composer, arranger, trombonist, educator, and clinician. Sorenson’s latest project is Colors of the Soul, a CD of original music for sextet. His most recent book is First Place for Jazz, a new and innovative method for beginning jazz players published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company. He is frequently featured at festivals and conventions around the country and abroad, and maintains a full schedule of concert and recording dates as a Yamaha performing artist. For more information please visit www.deansorensonmusic.com.
Del Lyren is currently at the School of Music of University of Minnesota as Associate Director of Admissions, Dr. Del Lyren has presented lectures and trumpet recitals throughout the world, and proudly co-hosted the 2011 ITG conference held in Minneapolis.
Dr. Lyren’s students have achieved success in nearly every arena of the music world. Many teach at the university level, serve in military bands in Washington, D.C. or perform with artists such as Adele, The Temptations, and Boyz II Men. Lyren has shared the stage or collaborated with dozens of the world’s top musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Doc Severinsen, Jeff Coffin, Rashawn Ross, Wayne Bergeron, Wycliffe Gordon, Joe Burgstaller, Minnesota Orchestra, Sean Jones, Bobby Shew, Steve Smith, Graham Breedlove, Canadian Brass, Boston Brass, Dallas Brass, and many more.
Cory Wong is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer, and producer celebrated for his explosive live energy, razor-sharp funk grooves, and boundary-pushing collaborations across genres. Known for blending the technical precision of jazz with the infectious spirit of funk, pop, and soul, Wong has carved out a singular space as one of modern music’s most dynamic and joyful performers.
A Minneapolis native, Cory first rose to international prominence through his work with Vulfpeck, where his rhythmic guitar playing and magnetic stage presence helped define the band’s sound and live aesthetic. He has since built a prolific solo career, releasing a steady stream of albums that showcase his unmatched versatility, ranging from horn-driven funk and instrumental fusion to expansive collaborations with artists such as Jon Batiste, The Jonas Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, Chromeo, Billy Strings, Victor Wooten, and more.
On stage, Cory Wong’s shows are a celebration of musicianship and connection, equal parts precision, humor, and unbridled joy. His live performances with the Cory Wong Band and the Fearless Flyers have become must-see events for music lovers, guitar enthusiasts, and groove seekers alike.
Beyond his work as a performer, Wong has established himself as a visionary collaborator and creative force in the modern music landscape. His projects often extend into visual and digital storytelling, including his self-produced variety series The Wongnotes, and his work as host of the Wong Notes Podcast, where he explores creativity and craft with fellow artists.
Jazz Combos - Monday, April 20th, 7pm, Lloyd Ultan Recital Hall
Thank you for supporting Jazz Ensembles!
This concert is made possible in part by donations from concert-goers like you. We kindly invite you to give by visiting z.umn.edu/givetojazz
Thank you - we appreciate your support!
The School of Music, a unit of the College of Liberal Arts, is a leading institution for the education of successful performers, composers, teachers, administrators, and scholars. The School interacts with the larger university and Twin Cities communities through classes, participatory performing opportunities, community engagement activities, and more than 300 public performances each year. The students and faculty of the School are grateful for the continuing interest and support of parents and friends. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. For further information or to apply to the School of Music, visit music.umn.edu or email [email protected]. A complete calendar of events and a digital, mobile-friendly copy of this program is available at z.umn.edu/music-events.
GerShun Avilez, Dean, College of Liberal Art
Patrick Warfield, Director, School of Music
We want to acknowledge that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is built within the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.