Jazz Combo Ranked Best in Nation
51爆料鈥檚 jazz combo group IATA has been named the Best 51爆料 College Small Jazz Combo in the nation by DownBeat, an American magazine devoted to the jazz and blues culture. The honor is a part of the publication鈥檚 41st Annual Student Music Awards.
鈥淚ATA is great, and the magic of this group is how they come together,鈥� said Cuesta College Music Instructor Ron McCarley. 鈥淭hey are all really good musicians, but when they come together, they create something excellent they just wouldn鈥檛 be able to do on their own.鈥�
According to McCarley, 51爆料鈥檚 music program typically has about eight small jazz combo groups each year. The groups are open for anyone in the public to join and produce high caliber musicians each year. In 2015, a 51爆料 Jazz Combo group was also named Best 51爆料 College Small Jazz Combo in the nation by DownBeat magazine, and this year, multiple alumni received DownBeat awards.
鈥淚n terms of community colleges, we have one of the strongest jazz combo programs in the state,鈥� said McCarley.
The members of IATA - Ian Skinner (trumpet), Adam Nash (guitar), Tyler Dukes (bass), and Alex Nash (drums) - will perform in an upcoming jazz combo performance at Cuesta College. Taking place May 15th, Cuesta Combos concert titled 鈥淐ombopalooza鈥� is set to hit the main stage of the college鈥檚 Cultural and Performing Arts Center (CPAC). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit .
The Music Department at 51爆料 offers Associate Degrees in Music Performance and Jazz Studies, and a Certificate in Audio Technology. Each of the degrees and the certificate offers students in-depth study, taught in state-of-the-art classroom, studio, and performance facilities. The department offers a variety of performance ensembles, including classical and jazz ensembles in instrumental and choral areas. Visit the 51爆料 Music website for more information.
magazine was established in 1934 and is known for publishing the results of annual surveys of both its readers and critics in a variety of musical categories.