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JOE ECKERT IS THE NEW
DIRECTOR OF JAZZ STUDIES
By John Giordano
It always is a di�cult task to �nd a replacement for an icon. That is the
situation that existed when Curt Wilson announced his intent to retire
at the end of the 2011 spring semester. Wilson is admired and loved
by all who knew and worked with him, including students, faculty
and professional colleagues. He is recognized worldwide as one of
the leaders in jazz education and also is an outstanding composer
and arranger in every musical style and medium. So what does one
do? The solution in this instance existed within our own ranks – our
accomplished saxophone professor, Joe Eckert.
Eckert is an extraordinary artist who is recognized by his peers as one
of the �nest classical and jazz saxophonists in America. In addition, he
is admired throughout the jazz world for having developed the Airmen
of Note, the United States Air Force “big band” ensemble, into one that
is unequaled among our military musical organizations. The Airmen of
Note grew under Eckert’s leadership into the military’s quintessential
jazz ensemble. The group’s frequent selection to represent the United
States by government sponsorship of performances in major venues
throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle
East substantiated the ensemble’s extraordinarily high quality and
reputation.
As a jazz soloist, Eckert is considered to be one of the country’s �nest
saxophonists. He has performed with artists such as Louie Bellson, Bob
Mintzer, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Heath, J.J. Johnson, Cleo Laine, Carmen
McRae, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Liza Minnelli, Nelson Riddle and many
others.
Eckert also continues to perform as a classical saxophonist with
symphony orchestras and symphonic wind ensembles, such as the
Fort Worth and Dallas symphonies, as well as the National Symphony
in Washington, D.C. He has premiered major works for saxophone with
symphonic bands and orchestras, including collaborations with our TCU
ensembles. His solo recitals are extraordinary presentations of classical
and jazz virtuosity and artistry.
Eckert continues to adjudicate at music festivals for both jazz and
classical ensembles and gives clinics nationally and internationally at
high schools, universities and conservatories. The acclaimed TCU jazz
program will continue to �ourish under his inspiring leadership.
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