Search | Menu Madison College Big Band Heads to Germany for Summer Concert Series
The Madison College Big Band from Wisconsin will tour Germany from June 26 to July 8, 2024 and will perform on June 30 in the hall of Friedberg Castle - a truly worthy setting for artists. The concert takes place as part of the 20th anniversary of the Friedberg – La Crosse town partnership.
The Madison College Big Band's repertoire goes back far into the history of big band jazz music. The band will tour with works made famous by musicians such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, as well as bandleaders Buddy Rich and Stan Kenton. The innovation of jazz continues to this day, and current compositions by Madison musicians Paul Dietrich and the company's own pianist Michael Butkus-Bomier are also presented.
The 24-member Madison College Big Band is made up of post-graduate students and adult continuing education students from Madison Area Technical College. It is led by Jamie Kember, Director, and Tammy Gibbs, Education Abroad Coordinator.
Jamie Kember combines his passion for music with his work as a musician, educator and protagonist of jazz music. Jamie plays trombone in a number of ensembles, including Don't Mess with Cupid, Orquesta MAS, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and the ensemble he co-directs, The Big Payback. He also serves as a music teacher at La Follette High School and teaches music theory and the history of pop/rock music at Madison College, where he continues to direct the Jazz Ensemble. As co-music director, he coordinates all performing ensembles.
