One more chorus: Piano faculty to take stage for final note

Roberto Curtis

Executive Editor

This Wednesday, March 31, will mark pianist Bob Hallahan’s final performance as a member of VCU’s jazz faculty. A founding member of the jazz studies program, Hallahan ends a twenty-eight-year-long career at VCU to pursue a tenured position at James Madison University’s music program.

“The full-time, tenure-track post means that Bob will enjoy the support of such things as health and insurance benefits through his job for the first time in his career,” stated Director of Jazz Studies Antonio Garcia in his Jazz E-News newsletter. “Though VCU and surely the University of Virginia (where Bob has also been teaching for many years) would have preferred to retain him on their faculty, neither was able to generate a competitive offer in this recessionary era.”

In addition to teaching privately, Hallahan maintained a busy schedule in the music department teaching Jazz History and Jazz Appreciation, as well as directing small jazz ensembles. According to Hallahan, he has worked with over fifty ensembles in his years at VCU.

“I have gained great satisfaction from working with all of you, as well as the students who have preceded you,” Hallahan stated in an email. “Please know that I will do everything in my power to help ensure that my successor is the best possible teacher or colleague for those of you that will be returning in the fall.”

Hallahan has performed all over the world with well-regarded jazz musicians including saxophonists Joe Henderson, James Moody, Lou Donaldson; trumpeters Clark Terry and Freddie Hubbard; guitarist Pat Metheny; and singers Anita O’Day, Sheila Jordan, and René Marie.

Hallahan’s final concert will be in a trio setting, featuring jazz faculty Victor Dvoskin (bass), and Tony Martucci (drums). Themed “The Standard Bearers,” the concert will feature selections from the American Popular Songbook by such classic composers as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington, as well as other popular instrumental compositions.

An on-stage workshop will proceed the concert at approximately 8:45 p.m. entitled, “Not for Rhythm Players Only, Part III: The Care and Feeding of the Jazz Rhythm Section, from Within and Without.” Garcia stated that jazz majors are encouraged to bring their instruments. The general public is invited to observe. Admission is free.

“The Standard Bearers,” featuring Bob Hallahan, Victor Dvoskin and Tony Martucci takes place Wednesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. at the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall at the W.E. Singleton Center, 922 Park Avenue. Admission is $5 for the public and free for VCU students.