Madison Reporter

The Madison College Big Band, hailing from Wisconsin, is set to embark on a tour of Germany from June 26 to July 8, 2024. The highlight of the tour will be a performance in the hall of Friedberg Castle on June 30. This concert is part of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the town partnership between Friedberg and La Crosse.

The band's repertoire spans across the rich history of big band jazz music. They will perform works popularized by illustrious musicians such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, as well as renowned bandleaders Buddy Rich and Stan Kenton. The band also continues to innovate with current compositions by Madison musicians Paul Dietrich and their own pianist Michael Butkus-Bomier.

Comprising 24 members, the Madison College Big Band includes post-graduate students and adult continuing education students from Madison Area Technical College. The band is under the leadership of Jamie Kember, Director, and Tammy Gibbs, Education Abroad Coordinator.

Jamie Kember is a passionate musician who seamlessly combines his love for music with his roles as an educator and advocate for jazz music. He plays trombone in several ensembles including Don't Mess with Cupid, Orquesta MAS, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and co-directs The Big Payback ensemble. In addition to this, he serves as a music teacher at La Follette High School and teaches music theory along with the history of pop/rock music at Madison College where he continues to direct the Jazz Ensemble. As co-music director, he coordinates all performing ensembles.