Bruce Hering – Exec. Director
The CVJC was founded by Bruce Hering. He has led jazz groups for 29 years, and they have garnered many awards, including Best Band Honors at jazz fests across the Midwest, with 7 performances at the prestigious Essentially Ellington Festival at New York’s Lincoln Center, being named “One of America’s Best Jazz Bands” in 2009. His bands have played with the Basie Band, Maynard Ferguson, Clark Terry, The Tonight Show All-stars and played in venues from Chicago to New Orleans.
Jeff Walk – Camp Manager/Trumpet/Band Director
Jeff Walk, outstanding trumpeter and director of bands at Regis High School, in Eau Claire WI, will be the camp manager and main leader in 2010. He has performed with renowned artists such as Christian McBride, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Jon Faddis, The Supremes and many others. Walk holds a Bachelor Degree from the UW-Eau Claire and a Masters Degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Check out his website at jeffwalk.com
Dave Power – Drums
An Eau Claire native, Dave Power is a highly talented and sought-after teacher, as well as an up-and-coming entertainer. Dave is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, majoring in Music Performance. He is diverse in several genres of music, and keeps a very busy performance schedule drumming for several prominent bands in the area, including Meridene, Duncan Ninja, and The Walk/Klenz Jazz Group. Dave has also shared the stage with Jazz legends Benny Golson, Wycliffe Gordon, Nnenna Freelon, and Victor Goines.
Aaron Hedenstrom – Saxophones
Saint Paul, MN native Aaron Hedenstrom has studied saxophone with Minneapolis saxophonists Chris Thomson, Mike Lewis, Doug Little, Brian Grivna, and Brandon Wozniak, and with Eau Claire saxophone professor Dr. Nancy McMillan. He has studied classical piano from Dr. Namji Kim and is currently studying composition under Dr. Ethan Wickman. This summer, he plans to record and release a big band album with all of his original compositions and will graduate with a composition degree from UWEC in December of 2010. Aaron is an active player, composer, and teacher in the Twin Cities and Eau Claire music scene. Current Projects include the Aaron Hedenstrom Quintet and Eau Claire’s own Mike Rambo Project.
Andy Detra – Bass
Originally from Madison WI, Andy has been playing in Jazz groups since High school. He is currently finishing his degree in Music at the University in Eau Claire, where he plays in the University Orchestra and Jazz ensemble 1. He has been hired by such bands as The Harry James Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Band, Five By Design and Nachito Herrera.
Joe Hartson – Trombone/Band Director
Joe Hartson, top-notch music educator and trombonist, has studied trombone with Thomas Ashworth, Phillip Ostrander, and Rodney Hudson. Joe is currently the band director at McDonell High School and Notre Dame Middle School in Chippewa Falls, WI. His other jazz education credits include faculty positions at the Shell Lake Arts Center and the University of Wisconsin-Stout among many others. As a trombonist, Joe is well accomplished in many styles. In the jazz realm, he has performed with Wycliffe Gordon, Christian McBride, Chris Botti, Dick Oatts, Dave Birkman, Sam Pilafian, Five By Design, and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Joe has a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and a Master of Music – Trombone Performance from the University of Minnesota.
Brandon Covelli – Piano
2011 FACULTY BIOS COMING SOON!
