Repertories

Repertories

Jazz at Bowdoin

Ever since Herbie Hancock played with Miles Davis at Bowdoin in 1963, jazz has been part of the Bowdoin musical world. Students interested in jazz enter a small but lively scene in Brunswick and on campus. Lessons are available in jazz piano, jazz guitar, jazz saxophone and bass. There are small jazz ensembles and the larger Polar Jazz Band. Dr. Frank Mauceri, a composer and local professional, is in charge of the ensembles. Student Hassan Muhammad, ’10, has regular jazz jam sessions which involve local high school talent as well as Bowdoin musicians. Professor James McCalla offers a number of regular jazz courses: two surveys on the history of jazz and a regular seminar on a variety of jazz topics. Gigs are available in town and in the region for those who want to play beyond Bowdoin. At least one major jazz guest artist appears at Bowdoin each year: recent performers include Brad Mehldau, Toshiko Akyoki and  Joshua Redman.