Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra

Continuing our deep commitment to amazing world of big band jazz, The Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra returns to Campus JAX. From blazing trumpet showpieces to velvet ballads and swaggering swing, the night spotlights music connected to trumpet greats and powerhouse vocalist Crystal Lewis.

Come toast my birthday and experience a full-throttle night of big band jazz.

Led by acclaimed trumpeter and bandleader Chad Willis, whose credits include John Daversa, Bill Holman, Lyle Lovett’s Large Band, Bob Mintzer, and more, this orchestra delivers the full power and elegance of the big band tradition with modern fire and precision.

Chad Willis is a Los Angeles-based trumpeter, bandleader, educator, professor, and clinician whose career spans jazz, classical, big band, commercial music, and live performance at the highest level. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of North Texas, where he played lead trumpet in the renowned One O’Clock Lab Band, as well as in the Jazz Repertory Ensemble and Two O’Clock Lab Band, while also serving as principal trumpet in both the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony. During this time Willis joined the acclaimed group, The Dallas Brass, for the summer of 2011.

Willis went on to earn his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where he performed under the direction of Grammywinning saxophonist and composer Bob Mintzer and recorded on Mintzer’s All L.A. Band project. During that period, he continued touring with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Lyle Lovett’s Large Band, and The Manhattan Transfer.

As a Schilke Featured Artist and in-demand performer throughout Southern California and beyond, Chad has worked with a wide range of artists and ensembles, including Bill Holman, John Daversa, Brian Bromberg, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Bob Mintzer, Don Randi, Tony Guerrero, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Blues Brothers, and many others.

With the Chad Willis Jazz Orchestra, he brings together exceptional musicians for a powerful, polished, and deeply swinging big band experience rooted in tradition but alive with contemporary energy.

Saxes: Brandon Wilkins, Steven Ragsdale, Kyle Zimmerman, Sean O’Kelley, Quinn Dymalski

Trumpets: Jon Bradley, Landon Grigsby, Brad Black, Elliot Deutsch, Jeff Jarvis

Trombones: Lindsay McMurray, Bob Lawrence, Tommy Griffith, Robert Todd Jr.

Rhythm Section: Bryan Velasco, John DePatie, John Urban, Marcello Carelli, Aaron Serfat