Jazz Outreach Initiative Hosts Legendary Earth Wind & Fire Horn Section for Masterclass at CSN College of Music

October 20, 2024 - College of Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas Campus

Jazz Outreach Initiative Co-founder and V.P. Education & Programming, Gary Cordell reached out to his friends Bobby Burns, Jr., Gary Bias, and Reggie Young who for decades have made up the brass section of the legendary Earth Wind & Fire band. The three enthusiastically agreed to present a free masterclass for horn students while the band was in town performing at the Venetian.

Through an outstanding partnership JOI has with the faculty and Robert Bonora, Chair of the CSN Music Department at its East Cheyenne campus where we host most of our youth education and Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra and Combos programs, we were generously granted the afternoon in the Jay Morrison Recital Hall. Approximately 60 young musicians along with seasoned professionals packed the room for nearly 2 hours of Q&A and performances learning how the brass trio found success, work together, and anecdotes shared from their illustrious careers.

Clinics and Masterclasses represent a strategic pillar of Jazz Outreach Initiative's core mission, "connecting the language of music to the language of life through education, outreach, and performances."

The entire Jazz Outreach Initiative team of board members, leadership, mentors, and students wish to express their deepest gratitude to Gary Cordell for his time, effort, and passion he put into this successful learning opportunity!