Enjoy a free concert featuring the Marylhurst Jazz Ensemble led by Joseph Aloia.

Marylhurst Jazz Ensemble
Marylhurst’s auditioned jazz ensemble is intended primarily for music majors, although qualified non-majors are also admitted. The group provides training for jazz instrumentalists where you will develop the skills necessary to thrive in a professional jazz combo. Improvisation, group arranging, and composition are all explored through regular rehearsals and performances. All periods of jazz are explored, from early jazz, through be-bop, to the present day. As a student, you are encouraged to bring your own compositions and arrangements for the ensemble to perform at Marylhurst and in the local community.

Joseph Aloia
Born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Joe Aloia always had a love for music. Joe began performing from age 10, with involvement in school and local bands and choirs. As a teen, his first professional performance came in high school where he was backing local vocalists on guitar in restaurants and clubs. Starting by accompanying various singers and ensembles on guitar and bass throughout high school and college, Joe’s first shows were mainly playing Eric Clapton songs on the guitar. Later, he was honored to perform with John Lamb and “Buster” Cooper, former members of the Count Basie Orchestra, which ignited a great personal desire for learning and performing music. Joe studied music at Florida State University, University of South Florida, and University of Oregon earning a Master of Music in Jazz Studies degree. In his 20s, Joe worked primarily as a bassist and teacher. He also performs as a guitarist, music director, conductor, live sound engineer, and as a guitar and drum tech for John Kay and Steppenwolf. Joe has perfomed as a bassist/guitarist with an array of talented musicians including the Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra, Ron Hurst of Steppenwolf, John Gross (formerly of the Shelly Manne, Johnny Mathis, and Lionel Hampton groups), George Mitchell (Diana Ross band), and Dan Wilensky (formerly of Ray Charles band). As a teacher, he has offered courses with Pacific University, The City of Hillsboro (OR), Century High School, Matatena Montesori School, MIR Music, and through private lessons. He has led the Marylhurst Jazz Ensemble since 2017.