

Program Sponsor
Bobby Selvaggio, director

Bobby Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone voices
on today's jazz scene. In the words of pianist Kenny Werner,
“Bobby is among the best of players out there,” and legendary
saxophonist Joe Lovano praises Bobby by calling him “one of
the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures
you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.”
Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor
of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University.
He eventually moved to New York City and earned a master’s
degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of
Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby
Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider.
After living in New York City and gigging around town at places
like the Vanguard, Smalls, and Birdland for four years, Bobby
decided to move back to Cleveland with his family. Northeast
Ohio has become his home base of operations where Bobby
has toured extensively throughout the US and Canada with
various working ensembles and musicians. He has dedicated
himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for
jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies
at Kent State University.
In addition to his work in jazz education, Bobby continues to expand his discography. His most recent recording is Quantum Man (Dot Time Records, 2016) which features a Jazz Quartet, String Quintet, Voice, and Percussion. As said by Downbeat (receiving 4 ½ stars): “Even at its most abstract, the highly textured, refreshingly unpredictable Quantum Man is persuasive and moving”. Quantum Man was also chosen “Best of 2017” by Downbeat. Follows is Short Stories (Origin Records, 2014) featuring Aaron Goldberg on the piano, Way of Being (Arabesque Records, 2013), Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque Records, 2011) featuring guitarist Nir Felder, and Modern Times (Arabesque Records, 2009). Modern Times featured Kenny Werner on piano and Sean Jones on trumpet. Bobby’s Unspoken Dialogue (Playscape Recordings, 2007) featured Kenny Werner, as well as Jamey Haddad on drums, Ben Street on bass, and Paul Tynan on trumpet; all musicians Bobby has actively performed and recorded with over the last 10 years.
In addition to playing alto saxophone, Bobby also plays soprano saxophone, alto clarinet, flute, and is a composer, arranger, and jazz clinician. Bobby Selvaggio is an Eastman Saxophone Artist and a Jody Jazz Mouthpiece endorser.
Dear Ohio Collegiate Director,
Each year, the Jazz Education Network of Ohio sponsors a number of activities aimed at furthering jazz and jazz education in our state. Among the most important of these events is the JECO Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble, which rehearses and then performs at the OMEA convention (February 2-4, 2023).
This collection of talent comes solely from Ohio colleges and universities, and all students are encouraged to apply whether they come from a giant jazz program or not (some of our finest players over the years have been from smaller, private schools). This group is to Collegiate Jazz Ensembles what All-State Jazz Ensemble is to Secondary institutions. We are hoping you will encourage your top jazz players to audition and represent your outstanding Jazz program.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
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Be enrolled in at least 6 credits in an Ohio college and have a sponsoring professor who is a current JECO member.
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Saxophonists must have strong doubles.
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Be a current members of the Jazz Education Connection of Ohio.
- Nominating directors and Students may enroll individually by clicking our membership link above. Institutional membership is also available (via the same link) that would provide membership for all of your students.
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Be able to attend all rehearsals:
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Rehearsal #1: Saturday, January 21, 2023 - 10am-5pm
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Location - Jazz Academy - 769 E. Long St (4th Floor) Columbus, OH 43203
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Rehearsal #2: Friday, February 3, 2023 (10:30 AM)
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Location - Greater Columbus Convention Center (Room location TBA)
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PERFORMANCE - Friday February 3, 2023
Hyatt Regency, Franklin Room 2:30 pm
Thank you for your interest in the Jazz Education Connection of Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble. Please check this page for updates. Also, feel free to contact me via the email below if you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mark Russo
Chair, JECO Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble
