The Del Mar jazz program began in 1971 with the addition of stage band to the college curriculum. A second band was added two years later.
In 1973 the MWF (for Monday-Wednesday-Friday) Jazz Band began its annual guest artist series, bringing some of the greatest names in jazz to the Del Mar campus for concerts and clinics. Since then the band has performed with such jazz luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Lee Konitz, Urbie Green, Carl Fontana, Bill Watrous, Rebecca Coupe Franks, Ed Shaughnessy, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and Bobby Shew.
Although most of the bands' performances are close to home, they have done their share of travel. In addition to its recruitment concerts throughout South Texas the MWF band has toured Europe, performing at the prestigious Montreux and NorthSea jazz festivals.
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updated on January 16, 2001
David Irving