DSO Jazz Symposium 2007

On April 11, the DSO held its first-ever Erb Jazz Symposium to coincide with Jazz Appreciation Month. The event welcomed a panel of renowned jazz educators, musicians and aficionados led by Branford Marsalis, the DSO’s 2006-07 Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Jazz Creative Director. Mark Stryker, Arts Reporter for the Detroit Free Press, served as moderator.

Jazz Symposium Panelists:

"Panelists Introductions"

Geri Allen, multiple award-winning jazz pianist

Dr. John Edward Hasse, Curator of American Music at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History

Al Pryor, Vice President for Artists and Repertoire for Mack Avenue Records

A.B. Spellman, Jr., author, poet, critic and lecturer

Rodney Whitaker, Music Director of the DSO’s Civic Jazz Youth Ensembles

The following are highlights of the panel discussion moderated by Mark Stryker. Topics included the future of jazz, education, technology/media and race.

Question 1:

How Do We Weave a New fabric for Jazz?"

Response: Dr. John E. Hasse

Response: A.B. Spellman

Response: Rodney Whitaker

Response: Al Pryor

Response: Branford Marsalis

Response: Geri Allen

Question 2:

"How Can Cultural Institutions Help Revitalize and Increase Their Efforts in Support of Jazz?"

Response: A.B. Spellman

Response: Dr. John E. Hasse

Response: Branford Marsalis

Response: Rodney Whitaker

Interjection: Mark Stryker and Dr. Hasse

Response: A.B. Spellman

"How Do We Reconnect To the African-American Community?"

Response: Rodney Whitaker and Al Pryor

For an upcoming schedule of Detroit Symphony Orchestra events and information, call (313) 576-5111, or visit http://www.detroitsymphony.com/