76. The Music Program – Jazz

Dalton’s jazz program began in 1975, as six students formed a group which then developed into a full curriculum. Throughout its history, Dalton musical directors have produced albums featuring a mix of jazz staples along with original compositions and arranged master classes with established artists. Jazz Album 1978.

The genesis of the Dalton jazz program was in 1975, as six students formed a group which blossomed to a full-fledged curriculum. Students were encouraged to explore new styles, improvise, and compose and arrange.

Documentation of the early jazz years at Dalton exists with vinyl records stored in the Dalton archives. James Harwood was the first jazz director. Under his direction, the jazz group covered jazz standards in a wide variety of styles with some student compositions with the album, “First Time Out.” The early years also saw a tour to Europe with students wearing blazers designed by Ralph Lauren.

The next director, Ed Byrne, produced the album, “Seven Steps to Heaven.” Bill Warfield, who followed the mold of his predecessors as an artist/teacher, continued to explore a mix of staples of the jazz repertoire along with original compositions.

With the advent of digital technology, additional recordings were produced under the direction of current director Glenn Makos. The late 90’s featured two Downbeat Magazine award-winning groups. During that period, performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival included Dalton as the first high school jazz group to do a live internet broadcast from Montreux. In addition to recordings, students have had the opportunity to interact and perform with artists T.S. Monk, Ron Blake, Chad Smith, Tim Hagans, Mike Clark, and Boris Kozlov. Dalton alum Jamie Lawrence ’79 and Anton Schwartz ’85, who were members of the first jazz groups, have performed with students or have given master classes.
—Glenn Makos, Middle & High School Music Teacher