Jazz at Princeton presents: Jazz Small Groups Z & 1

JAZZ AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY serves to promote this uniquely American music as a contemporary and relevant art form. Its goals are to convey the vast musical and social history of jazz, establish a strong theoretical and stylistic foundation with regard to improvisation and composition, and emphasize the development of individual expression and creativity. Offerings of this program include academic course work, performing ensembles, master classes, private study, and independent projects. Jazz at Princeton University thanks you for joining them on this evening’s journey of beauty, exploration, discovery, and hope.

Sam Gerhard is a Senior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), with a

minor in Computer Science and a certificate in Jazz Studies. An avid Jazz aficionado, Sam

began studying piano at the age of six and clarinet at the age of ten. While he doesn’t like

to pick favorites, Sam has to confess that his two idols of the keyboard are Bill Evans and

Oscar Peterson. Sam will be staying at Princeton for another year to complete a Master’s of

Engineering in ECE and continue working on modifying the antique player piano that

served as the basis of his Senior Thesis.

Alex MacArthur is a graduating senior from Newton, MA, majoring in history. On campus,

he plays the drums and is the president of the Human Values Forum. He will likely pursue

graduate studies abroad next year

Ari Freedman is a graduate student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department.

He started playing jazz bass at 11, and has played in jazz small groups, Creative Large

Ensemble, and the Sinfonia on cello during his time in Princeton. Next year he will be

moving to Burlington, Vermont to pursue a postdoc at UVM.