7th Annual Jazz Institute: Faculty and Staff

Faculty

Charles Blenzig, piano: Musical director for Michael Franks. Charles has toured with George Adams, Mark Eagan, Hiram Bullock, Gil Goldstein, and Lew Soloff.

Todd Coolman, bass: Grammy Award–winner Todd Coolman is one of the more in-demand bassists on the New York jazz scene today. Since moving to New York in 1978, he has performed and/or recorded with a virtual “who’s who” of jazz artists.

John Fedchock, trombone: John is a world-class trombone soloist, a heralded bandleader, and a Grammy-nominated arranger. He has been an in-demand performer and writer in New York City for more than 20 years.

Ralph Lalama, saxophone: Ralph has performed with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, and the Grammy-winning Joe Lovano Nonet, among others.

Richie Morales, drums: Richie has been a drummer with numerous artists, including The Brecker Brothers Band, Gato Barbieri, and Spyro Gyra.

Doug Munro, guitar: Since 1986, Doug has released eight albums as a leader and has appeared on close to 50 recordings in a variety of other roles.

Jim Rotondi, trumpet: Jim has recorded and toured internationally with the Ray Charles and Lionel Hampton orchestras and currently tours with his own group, the Grammy-winner Toshiko Akiyoshi, and One for All.

Staff

Students from Purchase College’s Jazz Studies Program serve as residence hall and teaching assistants. A full-time EMT, dedicated to the Jazz Institute, resides on campus and is available and on call to the students around the clock. The School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education provides administrative support for registration, parent questions, health concerns, and tuition payments.

The Summer Jazz Institute is approved for its health and safety procedures by the Westchester County Board of Health as a licensed residential camp.