MCC Jazz Ensemble Concert featuring Young Sounds of Arizona with special guest, Andrew Gross

The Mesa Community College Jazz Band has left a long wake of continued success and has set the standard for jazz ensembles in Arizona.  The band has performed all over the country at various festivals and concerts. Its alum range from studio musicians, composers, film-scores, jazz stars, and music educators who are currently active all over the country.  Under the direction of MCC alum, Paul Brewer, the MCC Jazz Band has a new home in the Performing Arts Center and continues to promote jazz at a high level throughout the Valley.

About Young Sounds of Arizona
Founded in 1971, the Young Sounds of Arizona remains the first and oldest program of its kind in the country.  Young Sounds is comprised of forty (40) students who range in ages between thirteen to eighteen.  They come from schools in the greater Phoenix area.  All members are accepted by audition and are considered to be the best young talent that the Valley has to offer.  Youngs Sounds now features two big bands and a jazz combo. Young Sounds is a non-profit 501-(c)(3) organization, governed by a Board of Directors and sponsored by the Professional Musicians of Arizona, Local 586 AFM.  Performances and direct expenses for the organization as well as an annual college and jazz camp scholarship program are paid for by the Young Sounds organization.  In addition to these programs, Young Sounds sponsors a variety of clinics by famous performers and educators.

About Andrew Gross 

Andrew developed a personal interest in teaching methods and ideas to jazz, which he found lack in many respects. Drawing on his own learning experience he has working on approaches that are more in line with the demads on jazz musicians. In this approach, Andrew has embraced the concepts instilled in him by great musicians and strives to express them through his own teaching and performing. Currently his efforts have been in working with Young Sounds of AZ, Grand Canyon University, along with, private lesson studios.