[JPL] Chuck Owen awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

[Seymour, Bob]

Thanks for this, Doc -- I sent the original press release yesterday, but
can no longer post, only reply, to jpl...

This news is very exciting for those who have followed Chuck and his
music (we've both been at USF for...a long time).  Several years ago,
Chuck was given the rare distinction of being named a Distinguished
Professor at the school.  Chuck's repertory orchestra, the Jazz Surge,
dates back to the mid-90's, with a very impressive track record of
concert collaborations, and their next disc is a tribute to Michael
Brecker, coming out later this year.  (Lots of the Surge players are on
that good new disc by Chuck's colleague, Tom Brantley, that's been
well-received at radio.) Chuck really has a distinctive voice as a
composer, as well as a dedication to finding new audiences for creative
music. 

This honor is such a nice thing for jazz, for this University, and for a
great guy --


Bob Seymour
Jazz Director
WUSF Public Broadcasting
bseymour at wusf.org
813-974-8648
www.wusf.org





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  USF jazz professor awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

TAMPA -- A University of South Florida jazz professor received a 2009 
Guggenheim Fellowship to create a five-movement composition that will 
fuse the traditions of jazz with contemporary symphony orchestra, 
according to a release from the university.

Chuck Owen is one of 180 fellows selected in 2009 across 62 disciplines.

The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fund chooses Fellows based on 
achievement and promise for contiued accomplishment.

Owen, a jazz studies professor, composer and pianist, founded the USF 
Center for Jazz Composition, served as president of the International 
Association for Jazz Education and governor of the Florida chapter of 
the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and won outstanding 
educator awards including USF's President's Award for Faculty
Excellence.

In addition to teaching, he leads Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge, a 17-20 
piece band that includes many of Florida's top professional jazz
musicians.

His "Double Concerto for Saxophone, Guitar & Orchestra" will be featured

on a CD once it is completed under the fellowship, the release said.

USF says Owen is the only 2009 Guggenheim Fellow in Florida.

/Robbyn Mitchell, Times staff writer/

Posted by tampabaycom at 7:23:27 PM on April 9, 2009

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