SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert Highlights Legacy, Remembrance and Reunion

SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert Highlights Legacy, Remembrance and Reunion

Tremolos flared brilliantly at the Annual Jazz Alumni Concert performance in Dunham Hall Theater, Feb. 4. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Concert Jazz Band welcomed back star alumni bassist Carlos Henderson ('96), and trombonist Chris Leach ('96), to fill the theater with lively performances of reworked favorites and a touching tribute to former Professor Emeritus Rick Haydon.

Garrett Schmidt, conductor of the Concert Jazz Band and Jason Swagler, director of Jazz Studies co-hosted the show and joined in the alumni ensemble. Later in the evening, Henderson was presented as the 2026 recipient of the Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award. Each student had the opportunity to solo throughout the performance. Guests and on-stage students got to enjoy the alumni tunes as they played a quartet with drums backing accompaniment.

Brett Stamps, long-time music professor presented the award to Henderson, who was happily surprised to see his former professor in attendance.

"I was fine until I saw the award and saw Rick's name," said Henderson. "Then I saw my name underneath Rick's and it felt so heavy. It's a legacy. I got some big fills not to fill but to walk alongside."

Rick Haydon, who passed away was the inaugural recipient of the award last year. With tears, Swagler spoke to the audience about how Rick's passing spoke to the reason the award exists and to promote legacy amongst prestigious alumni.

The final piece of the night performed with the Jazz Concert Band and the alumni guests was Stamps' own composition, "Mr. Rick," named after Haydon when they were bandmates.

"It was so funny, it felt like I was back in the Concert Jazz Band when I was here," Henderson remarked on the evening.

Marc Schapman, DMA, chair of the music department, elaborated on the legacy of the now third annual concert.

"Tonight is a powerful reminder of how music connects us across generations, as we honor and celebrate the extraordinary people and artists who have shaped, and continue to shape, this program," said Schapman.

Photos courtesy of Howard Ash.