Chris Vadala performing with the University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble

Over the past ten years, the local jazz community has seen an influx of young and promising talent, largely due to the strong music programs at local universities. Because the area’s academic institutions are so vital to the local music scene, this is the first in a series profiling local jazz education programs.

A chief contributor to the recent resurgence is the jazz program at the University of Maryland. Names such as Matt Rippetoe, Brad Linde, Charles Ostle, Lyle Link, Lena Seikaly, Kenny Rittenhouse, and Leigh Pilzer should be familiar to those who follow DCist’s jazz columns, and all of them have received degrees in College Park.

“A lot of the guys in town are all products of our music program, and they’re out there playing the clubs and playing gigs,” said Chris Vadala, Director of Jazz Studies at the university.

There are several factors to the Maryland jazz program’s growth and success, with the first being the work of its director. Appointed to the position in 1993, Vadala not only heads the department, but also directs the big bands and teaches saxophone. Prior to entering academia, he made his name as a sideman, most notably appearing on numerous recordings with flugelhorn player Chuck Mangione, including the 1977 crossover hit, Feels So Good. In addition to his duties at Maryland, he continues to be an in-demand clinician, performing, coaching, and judging competitions across the country.