January 1, 0001

An ethnomusicologist specializing in New World music of African origin, Drexel Jazz Ensembles Director Dr. George Starks is passionate about sharing the talents and historical importance of music ensembles at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with Philadelphia audiences. Through his annual Jazz Extravaganza concert series, Drexel Jazz Ensembles perform with some of the most talented jazz groups in the country. This year, Jazz Extravaganza XVI marked the first joint concert between Drexel’s Jazz Orchestra and Howard University’s Jazz Ensemble. Globally regarded as one of the finest college jazz ensembles, Howard University’s Jazz Ensemble comes from one of the most storied music programs in America and has performed around the world including in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and South America.

On April 17th, Jazz Extravaganza XVI drew standing room only in Drexel’s Mandell Theater as the two groups gave a performance of classic compositions by master musicians, including works by Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Philadelphia native Benny Golson and many others.

Dr. Starks launched Jazz Extravaganza several years ago through a joint concert with the all-female Jazz Ensemble at Spelman College. “The historical importance of music ensembles at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), and other predominately black educational institutions, goes back at least to the Fisk Jubilee Singers, an ensemble credited with making the world aware of Negro spirituals. Lesser known, but equally important, were all-female jazz groups such as the International Sweethearts of Rhythm and the Prairie View Co-eds. I view the Spelman College Jazz Ensemble as a part of this tradition. I initiated the series of Jazz Extravaganzas to expose Philadelphia audiences to this group,” he said. Click here to listen to an interview with Dr. Starks about the concert on WURD.