Far from the demeaning and flippant description offered up by Mr. Walterman, the students of this great group work tirelessly everyday to learn as much as they can about this great music. I can tell you that they cover all aspects of the tradition including "lower, slower, and softer!" Why waste time and virtual "ink" cutting down the very students who are practicing their hearts out learning the ballad styles of Dexter, Trane, J.J., Evans, Chet, et al while also learning the exciting language of extroverts like Kenton, Maynard, Roland Kirk, et al… and all the while striving to achieve the ultimate goal: an individual sound and voice?

While I realize there will always be tired and jaded souls who will chastise the gifted and exciting torch bearers for this music, I am proud indeed to be associated with a wonderful faculty who nurtures and lifts up this next generation of jazz artists.

Jazz is not dead, dying, or even slightly ill. While it has not been the popular music of the US. since the 1940s, it has remained and always will be a vibrant and beautiful living artform. A treasure to be cherished. All one must do is actually listen to a UNT Lab Band recording to know this is true. I invite you all to do just that by visiting http://www.theoneoclock.com