2022 Jazz 75th Anniversary Reunion Program

INTRODUCTION LETTERS
JOHN W.
RICHMOND
Professor and Dean,
UNT College of Music
Dear friends
and Colleagues,
I am so delighted to join the
chorus of congratulations to our
Division of Jazz Studies as we
conclude a year-long celebration
of the 75th Anniversary of Jazz
Studies at UNT. What a legacymaking
history our colleagues
and their predecessors have
produced, from international
tours to award-winning
recordings to broadcasts around
the world to publications in the
most prestigious venues and on
an on! Jazz Studies at UNT has
become a signature program not
only of this College of Music but
of the entire University of North
Texas, as well. The evocation of
our university’s name routinely
prompts a recognition of music
generally and Jazz especially
all around the world. This is an
anniversary deserving of a yearlong
celebration and more!
The UNT leadership certainly
has chosen to lead by example
in this regard, committing some
$2.5 million in the renovation
of our “Lab West” facility. Plans
are nearing completion of that
renovation now, and you will see
artists’ conceptions of what a
huge impact this renovation will
be when completed in August
2023. This seems like another
great reason to return to campus
next year (and every year) to
see and hear what a huge
improvement that renovation will
bring about and discover what’s
new in Jazz at UNT!
This also is a time to
remember that we have a
sobering obligation to honor
our storied history by promising
an ever more accomplished
future for Jazz at UNT. Rest
assured that we are mindful
of that obligation and leaning
into it with our mission-driven
focus on diversity, excellence,
integrity, and imagination. Not
surprisingly, we will need your
help to reach our full potential,
and we know we can count on
you as we always have.
Thank you for being a part of
this joyous celebration.
Sincerely,
John Richmond
Professor & Dean of the UNT College of Music
6
University of North Texas College of Music