The Jazz Symbiosis Sextet performs at the Jazz Station in Eugene
The Jazz Symbiosis Sextet performs Monk, Mingus, Tyner, Corea, and other great Jazz Composers!
- Scott FitzGibbon saxophone, flute
- Ken Johnston cornet, trumpet, flugelhorn
- Aaron Hipple guitar
- Robert Bohall piano
- Rick Carter bass
- Jay Veach drums
Scott FitzGibbon, saxophones & flute, is originally from the Chicago area and recently relocated to Eugene from Fresno, CA. A student of Chicago saxophonist/flutist Robert Rangier and renowned concert saxophonist Robert Black, he also studied music at Illinois State Univ. with Jim Boitos and others. He has performed with jazz artists including Chris Jaudes, Jack Waltrip, Brian Hamada, Lisle Ellis, Rick Helzer, Vince DiCiccio, Rich Severson, Gary Newmark, Jim Ganduglia, Mike Dana, Jon Faddis, Tony Klatka and Barney McClure, among others, and performed in Pit Orchestras and Big Bands in the Chicago area. The Jazz Symbiosis project originally formed in Fresno just before the pandemic and included Rick Helzer, Roy Carlson, Gary Newmark and Pete Fashing. It was reincarnated in Eugene last year.
Ken Johnston, trumpeter and cornetist, was born in Portland, Oregon, and started playing in the fourth grade. He earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz trumpet from Arizona State University in 2010, and a master’s in jazz studies from Indiana University in 2016. At these institutions, he benefited from the tutelage of numerous great musicians such as Mike Crotty, Mike Kocour, Sam Pilafian, David Hickman, Patrick Harbison, Brent Wallarab, Steve Houghton, Wayne Wallace, John Fedchock, and Dave Stryker. Since graduating, he has worked as a music educator both privately and in the classroom. Ken is also an enthusiastic researcher of jazz history, and at the 2016 Jazz Education Network Conference, presented his research on trumpeter and cornetist Red Nichols. Ken has lived in Eugene since the fall of 2020.
Aaron Hipple is a guitarist based in Eugene, Oregon. With 30+ years of experience in jazz & other American traditions, he developed his style not in a conservatory, but through apprenticeship and community in the Rocky Mountains, where he was mentored by veterans with ties to the University of North Texas jazz program, students of Johnny Smith and Dale Bruning, among others. He remains a student of the instrument, exploring ways to bring the guitar to life that feel both fresh and inviting.
Robert Bohall is a versatile pianist, composer, and educator with a rich background in jazz and choral music. He earned his master’s degree in jazz piano from the University of Oregon, where he also served as a graduate educator. Recognized for his talents, Robert received a Downbeat Award in the 47th Annual Student Music Awards as pianist and composer for Jazzarts Oregon, which won the "Top Graduate Ensemble" award. He has been honored as both the Outstanding Undergraduate Performer and the Outstanding Graduate Performer in the Jazz Studies department at the University of Oregon.
Robert’s compositions have been performed by esteemed ensembles including The Oregon Jazz Ensemble, The University of Oregon Chamber Choir, and Jazzarts Oregon. Notably, Western Oregon University featured him as a guest composer in their choral department, and afterwards commissioned him to write a new choral piece for them to perform in their 2024-25 school year. His music is available on all major streaming platforms, with his latest album titled "Standards: Vol. 1." In addition to his performing and composing career, Robert co-hosts the jam at The Jazz Station in downtown Eugene. He also teaches privately and at the Lassen Piano Studio. As a choral musician, Robert serves as a bass section leader for the Eugene Symphony Chorus and has performed in The Bach Festival Chorus for three seasons.
Jay Veach is a drummer, singer, composer, and educator who prides himself in his versatility. From Jazz, Brazilian music, Pop, Funk, Rock, CCM, HipHop, Bluegrass and more, he has embraced a diverse palate of genres to represent. In 2025, Jay received a Downbeat award as a drummer in the Oregon Jazz Ensemble, for Outstanding Performance in the Graduate College Large Ensemble category. Jay is currently the Music Director at New Hope West, where he works full time to bring about his artistic vision each week. He is also the Music Director of Generations Wedding and Events Bands, where he directs polished musicians from the MD mic during high profile events.
