Ravinia Steans Music Institute

Steans Jazz Program

Program for Jazz | June 9 – 19, 2024


Program Overview

Saxophonist Steve Wilson, Pianist Billy Childs, and Bassist Rufus Reid
Steve Wilson, Billy Childs, and Rufus Reid, Artistic Directors

RSMI’s Program for Jazz is focused on composition and small-group collaboration. From the moment they arrive, the 15 fellows are rehearsing in different instrumental combos and workshopping new music with the guidance of standard-bearers in the vitality of jazz, together learning to adapt to gigging with ever-changing personnel. Within a week, the musicians form three quintets, each coached by a member of the jazz faculty, and prepare to premiere their original works at the end of their residency.

The Program for Jazz directors also adjudicate and workshop the winning works from the Bridges Composition Competition, which culminates as the Program for Jazz begins.

Saxophonist Steve Wilson, Pianist Billy Childs, and Bassist Rufus Reid
Steve Wilson, Billy Childs, and Rufus Reid, Artistic Directors

Notable Alumni

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly

Saxophone, 2017

Endea Owens

Endea Owens

Bass, 2016

Jerome Jennings

Jerome Jennings

Drums, 2003

Marquis Hill

Marquis Hill

Trumpet, 2010

Jason Palmer

Jason Palmer

Trumpet, 2003

Carmen Staaf

Carmen Staaf

Piano, 2004


Program Directors

Billy Childs, piano & composer
Rufus Reid, bass & composer
Steve Wilson, saxophone

Fellows

David Berry, piano
Akili Bradley, trumpet
Conway Campbell Jr., bass
Cameron Campbell, piano
Liam Connor, trumpet
Jack Courtright, trombone
Alex Laurenzi, saxophone
Ben Lindenburg, saxophone
Zach Malian, drums
Jake Nalangan, piano
Rudi Neubrander, drums
Gabe Schmid-Doyle, bass
José Antonio Serrano, bass
Kyle Tennyson, trombone
Janae Yates, drums

Applications and Auditions

Participation in the Program for Jazz is by invitation only.