N.C. Jazz Repertory celebrates 20th birthday with showcase concert

The N.C. Jazz Repertory Orchestra is turning the big 2-0.

The orchestra will celebrate its anniversary with a showcase concert tonight.

The group, which has members from across the state, began in early 1993 and is now a hub of jazz exhibition and education in the Triangle.

“When we started there was nothing like us — we’d sell out Memorial Hall sometimes,” said Jim Ketch, director of the orchestra and a music professor at UNC-CH.

The group has had a hand in educating young people about jazz music in the last two decades.

Jason Foureman, who plays bass in the orchestra, first saw the group perform as a middle school student.

“(The orchestra) is one of the main factors that has contributed to jazz in the Triangle,” Foureman said.

Education continues to be important to the group.

Through a grant from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, band members have been able to visit local schools and promote jazz in the next generation. The group also offers lectures, master classes and student clinics.

Kathy Gelb, the orchestra’s vocalist, said that while the music isn’t like Kanye West, the younger generation can still connect with jazz.

“The energy of a band like this, if kids were exposed to it more … They’d be blown away,” she said.

Despite the work of the band, Ketch said the jazz scene in Chapel Hill is lacking, due in part to the economic climate.

“It’s tough. From time to time, there is jazz in Chapel Hill, and it’s been preserved to a certain extent on college campuses,” he said.

Ketch said he remains positive about jazz as a whole, with hopes for the next generation.

“I hope that the seeds of jazz education translate into the commercial world,” he said.

Will Campbell, director of jazz studies at UNC-Charlotte and saxophonist for the orchestra, drives two hours to play in the band every month.

“The musicians are strong, the leadership is good — there are no negatives, even with a 260-mile drive,” he said.

“Most of the good that happened in the state jazz-wise is to do with Jim Ketch one way or another.”

Contact the desk editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.