2021 Midwest Clinic Program - Two O'Clock Lab Band

WORDS OF
WELCOME
by the Dean of the
College of Music
I
am pleased and honored to greet you on behalf
of the alumni, faculty, staff and students of
the College of Music at the University of North
Texas, and to extend heartfelt best wishes for a
spectacular 2021 Midwest Clinic. We are grateful and humbled
to be a part of such a distinguished conference devoted to
strengthening, as the Midwest Clinic Mission states, “…
international instrumental music education through extensive
professional development opportunities, inspirational
experiences and cultivation of rewarding professional
relationships.” The University of North Texas continues to
thrive as a Carnegie R1 university and has reached a record
enrollment of 42,372 students this past fall.
It seems that this moment is one of milestones and
watermarks. We joyously celebrate with you the 75th
anniversary of what is now the Midwest Clinic as we gratefully
celebrate our own 75th year of the Jazz Studies degree
program at UNT – the world’s first such program. Our jazz
celebration will extend over the next 12 months and will be
highlighted by events on campus and around the world. This
evening’s performance by the Two O’Clock Lab Band, led by
Associate Professor and Chair of the Division of Jazz Studies
Rob Parton, is a testament to the depth and consequence of
jazz at UNT. There are not one or two big bands (“lab bands”)
at UNT. There are EIGHT of them. The “Two” is joined this
evening by Associate Professor and Director of the multi-
Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band® Alan Baylock.
We also are delighted to feature the virtuosity of UNT Jazz
alumnus Mike Smith, as well as the music of Hal Leonard
composer/arranger/clinician Michele Fernández. You’re in for
an evening of joyous, generous music making. Enjoy!
Best wishes for a fabulous conference. Please keep in touch and let us
know how we can help you, and be sure to stop by the UNT College of
Music booth on the Exhibit floor. I would love to greet you personally.
Most sincerely,
JOHN W. RICHMOND, PH.D.
Professor and Dean of the College of Music
University of North Texas
The UNT
College
of Music
– serving
our diverse
musical
culture with
excellence,
integrity and
imagination.
The Midwest Clinic 3