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  • March 4, 2010
  • Christine Davis Mantai

The Fredonia Jazz Ensemble performed and recorded a live album on Friday, March 5, at a conference of the music education community in New York State.

FJE  kicked off the weekend’s events at the New York State Band Directors Association Symposium (NYSBDA) in Syracuse. Clinics, performances and workshops were on the schedule for the  weekend.

Performing at this event also gave the Fredonia group the opportunity to complete its tenth full-length album titled “ Thin Ice: Live in Syracuse.”

The was recorded on-site by Mark Custom Recording of Clarence, NY and will be available for purchase on CdBaby, Amazon.com and iTunes shortly after the performance.

The invitation to perform came in part due to the FJE's recent success with its album, “Still Kicking,” as well as recent performances with acclaimed artists, such as Reggie Watkins.

“You won’t find this level of sophistication in a college-level ensemble anywhere,” said Matt Koerner, co-director of the Fredonia Jazz Ensemble. “We’ve invested a great deal in the future of the Fredonia Jazz Ensemble and these efforts will last for generations to come”.

The Fredonia Jazz Ensemble members who played at the NYSBDA event included: Matt Koerner (Director) Pat Quinn, Joe North, Toni Amanita, Jeff Osarczuk, Matt Kepler, Dave Hollenbeck, Mike Dorato, Eric Iannucci, San Newsome, Ian Taylor, Tom, Tillistrand, John DeMory, Mike Lamardo, Mike Vescovo, Joe Kozlowski, Chris Sclafani, Mary Palmer, and Zack Stack.

The Fredonia Jazz Workshop is a Student Association Chartered group located in SUNY Fredonia. The workshop encompasses the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Fredonia Jazz Ensemble, Weaponz, Latin Jazz Ensemble, and several Jazz Combo groups all whom perform several concerts a year, both on and off campus.