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 June 2007
Contact: Andrew Zender, American Jazz Museum 816-474-8463, ext. 206 azender@kcjazz.org Kansas City, MO. (June 7, 2007) - The American Jazz Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of its new executive director, Gregory A. Carroll, outgoing Director of Education for the International Association for Jazz Education. Carroll, who has been responsible for directing IAJE education and outreach programs worldwide, will assume the role on July 1, 2007. “On behalf of the Board and staff of the American Jazz Museum, we’re extremely excited and confident in Mr. Carroll’s vision and plans for the institution,” says Nikki Newton, American Jazz Museum Board Chairman. “The Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District is one of the true great crossroads of jazz – I’m extremely excited to have an opportunity to serve this wonderful institution that plays a key role in sustaining Kansas City’s strong jazz heritage,” says Carroll. He adds, “I’m eager to help continue the outstanding tradition of musical excellence that was established right here at 18th & Vine.” Carroll has also served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado, Instrumental Music Director for several Colorado School Districts, including an appointment at Denver’s George Washington High School. As an educator and performer, he has earned many awards and honors, including a nomination to the Who’s Who among Black Men in America (1983), the Presser Scholar for the University of Northern Colorado’s School of Music (1985), and the Colorado Jazz Educator of the Year by the state chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators (1997). Carroll has served on numerous boards, including the Colorado Music Educators Association, the Colorado IAJE and the Colorado Content Standards Music Task Force. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra and is the Chairman of the Music Advisory Board for the Humber College of Music in Toronto. In addition to holding a BME degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a MMEd from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he has directed the Colorado Jazz Workshop and remains active as a performer, clinician, and education consultant. As a vibraphonist, he has performed with jazz luminaries such as George Benson and Dianne Reeves, and he also performs and records with his own group, the Midnight Blue Jazz Quartet. His recording credits include Angela Hagenbach (Weaver of Dreams), Midnight Blue Jazz Quartet (Midnight Blue Jazz Quartet, Estes, and Shavewo) and Peter Barbieri (Everything That Grows), among others. “The American Jazz Museum has such broad community support and I plan to strengthen those relationships in addition to building new audiences. It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I plan to continue the mission and vision of the American Jazz Museum: to honor the past, enjoy the present, and celebrate the future of jazz,” says Carroll. He is delighted to work with an organization that he has valued and respected for many years. “There are so many wonderful events happening in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. I’m looking forward to working with so many passionate and committed individuals. I’m eager to help the American Jazz Museum Board of Directors fulfill its mission and vision in research, education, performance, and collections & exhibits,” he adds. A full bio on Greg Carroll is available upon request, and a high-resolution photo will be available shortly. Both will be posted at www.americanjazzmuseum.org/media.html. About the American Jazz Museum The sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive at the American Jazz Museum. The Museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as the Blue Room, a working jazz club, and the Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center. Located in the Historic 18th and Vine District in Kansas City, MO., this is the place where jazz masters such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner, and hundreds of others defined the sounds of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Today, scholars, students, musicians, and fans are drawn here to learn about the legends, honor their legacy, or simply enjoy the best music America has to offer. For more information, call 816-474-8463 or visit www.americanjazzmuseum.org. ###  |
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