Blue Lake International Jazz Ensemble

The 2012  International Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Rich Fanning,  is comprised of the instrumentation found in a traditional 18 piece jazz big band, with 5 saxes (alto, tenor and bari), 5 trumpets, 5 trombones and rhythm (piano, bass and drums). The groups repertoire will range from the classic big bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Thad Jone/Mel Lewis and Woody Herman to more contemporary composers such as Gordon Goodwin, Bob Mintzer, and John Fedchock.

Their tour will culminate with a special homecoming performance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp on July 18, 2012.

2012 International Jazz Ensemble
Richard Fanning, Musical Director

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, trumpeter Richard Fanning began playing professionally at age 18.  Since then, he has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe at many prestigious venues including Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks in Colorado, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, the JVC Jazz Festival in Nice, France, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC.  Dr. Fanning has toured with a number of music acts throughout his career, including tours with Natalie Cole, The Monkees, Gary Puckett, The Temptations, Perry Como, Illinois Jacquett and the Broadway show Cats.  He has also backed up entertainers such as Ray Charles, Mel Tormé, Nancy Wilson, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Rich Little, The Grass Roots, The Fifth Dimension, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and many others.  He has a multi-platinum record award for his involvement on John Mellencamp’s Scarecrow album in 1985.  Dr. Fanning holds three degrees from Indiana University, including a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Doctor of Music in Brass Pedagogy and Music Literature.  He teaches instrumental music at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods.  Dr. Fanning has been on faculty at Blue Lake for six years.  The 2012 International Jazz Ensemble marks Dr. Fanning’s second Blue Lake International Jazz Tour.