Observer - Headlines

Cover Story - Honoring a Jazz Legend

Jackie McLean was this year's guest of honor at The Hartt School's Gala, during which it was announced that the African-American Music Department has been renamed The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz

Since 1970, when The Hartt School appointed the great alto saxophonist Jackie McLean as a teaching associate in Afro-American music, jazz has become a dynamic, palpable presence at the University of Hartford. In 1980, the department of African-American music was founded with McLean as its director. The program accepted its first class of 10 students in the 1981-82 academic year. Today, under McLean's leadership, the department continues to thrive, with approximately 12 students entering each year.

Learning from the Best

It is not just Jackie McLean's considerable talents as a jazz musician and as a teacher that make him so deserving of his recent honors, his former students say, but also the way he opens his heart to his students.

Photos of the Hartt Gala

In full tribute to his remarkable achievement, The Hartt School has renamed the department as The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. Dean Malcolm Morrison announced the new name on Nov. 17 at the Hartt Gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of McLean's involvement with the University. See photos of the celebration.

Editor:
Diana Simonds

Art Director:
Keith Campagna

Web Design:
Jim Kalambokis

Contributing writers:
Jonathan Easterbrook '87, '90; Michelle Godin '00; David Isgur; Beverly Kennedy; Barbara Klemmer; David LaChance; John Lelan-Ywarsky '02; Linda Leslie '99; Jessica Levine '98; Terri Raimondi; Barbara Steinberger; Margaret Withey

Contributing photographers:
Jeff Feldmann, Bruce Johnson, Steve Laschever, John Marinelli, Doug Penhall, Steve Slade

Published in September, December, March and June for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the University.

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