April 5, 2002
Contact: Kristin Korb (509-963-1426/fax 509-963-1239/e-mail: korbk@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University’s music department will present a performance by acclaimed slide trombonist Ron Wilkins and pianist/vocalist Louise Rose, Wednesday, May 1, at 8 p.m. in Hertz Hall. It’s part of the department’s annual jazz festival.
Wilkins has worked with a variety of noted entertainers, including Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney, Dizzy Gillespie, the Temptations and the Four Tops. Now living in San Antonio, Texas, he teaches private low brass and jazz improvisation while continuing to perform regularly at clubs throughout the Lone Star state.
“He now makes his living teaching others how to play or sing with the style and grace that has won him such critical acclaim so early in his career,” Kristin Korb, CWU director of jazz studies, says. “More importantly, those who study with him gain not only knowledge but ambition and independence. When he arrives at CWU this May, he will spread this passion even further.”
A graduate of University of Texas at San Antonio, Wilkins served as band director in the San Antonio Catholic School System from 1981-83. In 1984 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, performing in the USAF Band of the West as lead and bass trombonist, principal euphonium, second tubist and feature vocalist.
He has also performed with the San Antonio Festival Orchestra, Mid-Texas Symphony, San Antonio Symphony and Victoria, Texas, Symphony. He recently released his first CD, “Ron Wilkins: A Tribute to the Masters.”
Despite being trained at Julliard and studying with Oscar Peterson, Leonard Bernstein and Duke Ellington, Rose’s career has transcended music. She is also a highly sought communicator, motivational speaker, facilitator and mentor. In addition, Rose has served as a police officer, Baptist missionary, sociology teacher and is a noted humorist.
A native of Norristown, Pa., she now lives Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her latest releases are the CD’s “Cool Yule” and “Lovingly, Louise,” which she writes, “revisits the changing seasons of my life.”
Tickets for the CWU performance are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and seniors. For tickets, more information or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1216, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.
Then, on Thursday, May 2, the CWU jazz festival will continue as 10 high school jazz bands and vocal jazz ensembles from Washington state will perform showcase sets in performances in Hertz Hall that are free and open to the public. The students will also attend workshops led by CWU music students and hear performances by university jazz bands and vocal jazz ensembles.
