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Tribute to Willie Pickens
ASULO 18, 1 1 ȁ 'HFHPEHU 12, 201
In this centennial year of Leonard Bernstein, we
pause tonight to celebrate the life of local musical
legend Willie Pickens, who possessed the same
attributes—gi ed conductor, composer, pianist,
humanitarian, and educator. One of Chicago’s
most noted jazz pianists, Willie played with
virtuosic technique and thunderous soul. He
toured internationally with Elvin Jones’s Jazz
Machine and performed with Wynton Marsalis,
Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Sammy Davis Jr.,
and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well
as on the Jazz at Lincoln Center and Kennedy
Center jazz series.
His talent for teaching matched that of his
playing. In
, Pickens founded the band
programat KenwoodHigh School. He continued
to teach in the Chicago Public Schools for the
next years before becoming professor of jazz
piano at Northern Illinois University.
Willie was the beloved founding member and
leader of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors program.
He impacted the lives of so many young people,
musicians, and community members in such a
profound way that it is di cult to nd the words
to convey our collective grief and gratitude.
Willie was devoted to God, family, music, and
education, and he poured his soul into re ecting
that love through his music and mentorship. No
one who sawWillie bring a piano to life or impart
the most valuable life lessons to his students will
ever doubt that they were witnessing grace and
greatness.
Christine Taylor
Director, Ravinia’s REACH*TEACH* PLAY
education programs
6:30 PM TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2018
MARTIN THEATRE
RAVINIA JAZZ SCHOLARS
AND MENTORS
RAVINIA JAZZ SCHOLARS
:22':IN'6
Sarah Cra (clarinet)
Freshman
Whitney Young Magnet High School
Andrew Cobb (alto saxophone)
Junior
Jones College Prep
Benjamin Laughlin (alto saxophone)
Senior
Lane Tech High School
Solomon Chrystal (tenor saxophone)
Sophomore
Chicago High School for the Arts
Reginald McCoy (tenor saxophone)
Senior
Kenwood Academy
TRUMPET
Miles Hardemon
Junior
Whitney Young Magnet High School
Myles Harrell
Senior
Kenwood Academy
TROMBONE
Joseph Villafane
Senior
Lake View High School
3IAN2
Miles Richey
Sophomore
Northside College Prep
Natalie Simon
Senior
Lane Tech High School
GUI7AR
Jack Fahey
Senior
Whitney Young Magnet High School
Joshua Robertson
Junior
Chicago High School for the Arts
Brooklyn Scott
Sophomore
Chicago High School for the Arts
BASS
Cole Burrell
Sophomore
Jones College Prep
So a Rabiela
Senior
Whitney Young Magnet High School
Tyler enstedt
Junior
Whitney Young Magnet High School
DRUMS
Daniel Day
Senior
Kenwood Academy
Frank Morrison
Junior
Morgan Park High School
Charlie O’Neil
Junior
Whitney Young Magnet High School
3ER&U66I2N
Jaydon Washington
Senior
Lincoln Park High School
RAVINIA MAGAZINE | JUNE 18 – JUNE 2 , 2018
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