A&F Newsletter
Spring 2003
Wynton Marsalis to Perform
Concert
Wynton Marsalis, one of the most recognizable
jazz musicians and trumpeters of his generation, is coming to Arkansas
City. The Wynton Marsalis Septet is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m.
March 12 in the Robert Brown Theatre inside the Brown Center for Arts,
Sciences and Technology on Cowley’s main campus in Arkansas City.
Connie Bonfy, director of institutional grants and arts programming at the college,
said Marsalis’ appearance has been a long time coming. “We have been
working toward this concert with Wynton for nearly seven years, soon after the
opening of the Brown Center,” Bonfy said. “Marsalis is an outstanding
performer, and his commitment to arts education is unparalleled. It is a guaranteed
evening of enjoyment for our audience.”
Marsalis has been described as one of the world’s top classical trumpeters,
as a big band leader in the tradition of Duke Ellington, as a brilliant composer,
as a devoted advocate for the Arts and as a tireless and inspiring educator.
His life is a portrait of discipline, dedication, sacrifice and accomplishment.
The sound of Marsalis’ band is inspired by the basic principles of democracy.
What you hear in a great jazz band, according to Marsalis, is the sound of democracy. “The
jazz band, like our democracy, works best when participation is shaped by intelligent
communication,” he said.
Marsalis was born in New Orleans, La.. At age 14, he was invited to perform with
the New Orleans Philharmonic. During high school, Marsalis was a member of the
New Orleans Brass Quintet, New Orleans Community Concert Band, New Orleans Youth
Orchestra, New Orleans Symphony and on weekends he performed in a jazz band.
At age 17, he became the youngest musician ever to be admitted to Tanglewood’s
Berkshire Music Center.