Episode Details

At Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black college in East Austin, the jazz orchestra is making a triumphant comeback. Led by Director William Oliver, this seventeen-piece big band, filled with alumni whove played with legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis, is blending old-school fire with fresh energy. The program, which had faded, was revitalized by Oliver in 2020, transforming a small trio into a powerhouse. Students, like computer science major Sannai Haymon-Jallow, are leveling up fast, with trombonist Joshua Garcia even earning individual awards. The bands placing third in the national collegiate jazz competition and drawing recruits from beyond Texas. Performances are packed, mixing big band charts with improv sessions, and the vibe is like church, passing stories generation to generation and building pride. The revival is turning history into momentum, keeping the horns hot and the swing alive.

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