FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 2019
Greg Ward
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of saxophonist Greg Ward as assistant professor of music in jazz studies, effective Aug. 1, 2019.
Ward is a cutting-edge young saxophonist, composer and producer from Peoria, Illinois, currently based in Chicago. He has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists, such as Prefuse 73, Lupe Fiasco, Tortoise, William Parker, Makaya McCraven, Linda Oh and Mike Reed.
As a bandleader, Ward has produced four recordings, including “Fitted Shards: South Side Story,” “Phonic Juggernaut,” “Touch My Beloved’s Thought” and his latest, “Rogue Parade: Stomping Off From Greenwood,” which NPR recently called “one of the year’s first great jazz albums.”
“Greg Ward has a combination of real-world experience, artistry, stylistic breadth and proven pedagogical skills that our students will find very compelling,” said Gwyn Richards, David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Dean. “We are anxious to have him in Bloomington.”
“We are very pleased to have Greg Ward join the faculty,” said Tom Walsh, Jazz Studies Department chair. “He has a broad range of skills as a saxophonist, composer and producer who has worked in virtually every style of music. His creative energy and artistic vision will have a positive impact on our students.”
The Tom Walsh Jazz Ensemble, comprised of top Jacobs students, will perform five of Ward’s works Monday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center. The pieces are from his 2016 album, “Touch My Beloved’s Thought.” Admission is free.
As a composer, Ward has received commissions from The Jazz Gallery (New York City), Jazz Institute of Chicago, Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz series and Peoria Ballet. He was awarded the New Music USA Van Lier Fellowship in 2012 and a Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Individual Artists Program grant in 2017. He maintains an active international touring schedule with various ensembles.
“I am incredibly excited to join the faculty at the Jacobs School of Music,” said Ward. “Being part of such a historic institution is an amazing opportunity. I look forward to being an active member of this music community and to working with all of the extremely talented students this fall.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Linda Cajigas
Assistant Director of Communications
IU Jacobs School of Music
812-856-3882 | lcajigas@indiana.edu