Dr. Jeremy L. George is the Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of music at Huston-Tillotson University. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida under the leadership of Dr. Julian E. White and Dr. Shelby Chipman. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Education and Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. Dr. George’s dissertation is entitled “A Firm Foundation: Examining the Influence of Black Gospel Music on Jazz Pedagogy.” His major professors are Professor Rodney Jordan, Professor Leon Anderson and Dr. Clifford Madsen. Dr. George served as a public-school music educator for 10 years.

His most notable role was band director at James S. Rickards High School from 2015 – 2021. Here he played an integral roll in developing the entire program. His commitment to excellence led to him being awarded the Tom Bishop Award by the Florida Bandmasters Association in 2018 which recognizes directors for making a huge positive difference in a relatively short period of time. Under his tutelage the Raider band has received superior ratings on the district and state level in Symphonic Band, Marching Band and in Jazz Band.

As a professional, Jeremy also serves as a faculty member for the Austin Youth Jazz Orchestra, adjudicator and clinician for the Florida Bandmasters Association and serves on the state FBA Jazz committee. His professional affiliations include the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc., and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

As a performer, Dr. George is a freelance bassist in the Austin area. He is the former bassist and musical director for Tallahassee Night’s Live, a highly active live entertainment guild with an ambitious performance schedule throughout the southeast region, and has shared the stage with on many nationally acclaimed Grammy Award-winning Gospel, Jazz, Hip Hop and R&B recording artists such as Ledisi, Samara Joy, Andre Hayward, Diego Rivera, Tom Browne, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Marvin Sapp, Dorothy Norwood, and Eric Roberson just to name a few. Jeremy also serves as a performing artist for many bass companies such as Anaconda Basses, DR Strings, Gallien Kruger Amps, Aguilar Pickups, and Inearz Audio. He also maintains an ambitious gig, session, and masterclass schedule in the United States.

Travis Keller is in his 25th year of teaching and is in his 20th year as director of bands at Fairview High School in Boulder, CO, where he also serves as the fine arts department chair. Mr. Keller is  the current 1st Vice President of the Colorado Bandmasters Association. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in Music Education and a Master of Music Degree from Colorado State University with an emphasis in conducting. He has been an educator,  conductor, and active clinician/adjudicator around the state of Colorado since the year 2000 and his bands have performed and competed around the state and the country. The Fairview High School bands have been invited to perform at the Colorado Music Educator’s Clinic/Conference multiple times, received continuous invitations to the Colorado Bandmasters State Concert Band Festival, receiving Superior with Distinction Ratings,  and the Fairview Marching Knights have been a 20 year finalist, including being a top 3 medalist band 11 times in his career at Fairview. The bands have also performed at multiple Bands of America regional and super regional competitions. The Fairview jazz program currently has six curricular jazz groups. When he is not at work, Travis likes to hike, camp, play golf, and spend time with his wife Cathy and his two kids, Matthew (15) and Emma (12). 

Angelo Sapienza is an educator and clinician with ten years of experience leading instrumental programs at the secondary level. Celebrated for his groove-forward approach and student-centered pedagogy, Angelo focuses on helping young musicians develop strong fundamentals, musical independence, and emotional connection to the music they play. His clinics blend practical technique with big-picture artistry, empowering students to sound better and feel more confident on stage.

Gavin Worland is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, copyist, producer, and educator based in Denver, Colorado. As the bandleader of the acclaimed Warriors of Peace Jazz Orchestra, WOPJO is a driving force in the new generation of large jazz ensembles, carrying forward the spirit of peaceful political protest championed by idols such as Charles Mingus, Ron Miles, & Max Roach.

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A versatile and in-demand performer, Gavin has been a featured lead trumpet player on several big band recordings nationwide and was a soloist in a film score composed by Jacob Montano. He has appeared as a bandleader and sideman at premier venues around the country, including Dazzle, Nissi’s, Boettcher Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Newman Center, & the Mercury Café.

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Gavin’s wide-ranging musical versatility spans big bands, mariachi ensembles, quintets, soundpainting groups, and tribute bands. He has performed alongside internationally acclaimed artists & ensembles such as Greg Gisbert, the Colorado Symphony, Dave Devine, Joe Anderies, "Detroit" Darryl Smith, Danielle Wertz, Gabriel Santiago Orchestra, Adam Gang, & Peter Stoltzman.

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As an artist, Gavin draws inspiration from a broad array of influences such as trumpet greats like Philip Dizack, Shane Endsley, Greg Gisbert, John Raymond, & Ron Miles, as well as the writing and arranging styles of Remy LeBoeuf, Annie Booth, Jerry Hey, & Woody Herman. His forward-thinking sound is showcased through his work with artists including David Mesquitic, Nico Colucci, the Denver Rock Orchestra, Lamont Jazz Orchestra, & the Metropolitan State University Big Band.

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A dedicated educator and scholar, Gavin served as a graduate teaching assistant at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver where he did extensive research on music streaming services' double standards for artists, and the corruption of megachurches using music as a form of musical manipulation as a form of recruitment & retention. He has earned multiple soloist awards at festivals such as the University of Northern Colorado and the Skyline Jazz Festivals.

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