Last month, The University of Tulsa School of Music’s Jazz Band and Alumni Big Band performed in their spring concert.
The concert was Jazz Studies Coordinator and Emeritus Professor Vernon Howard’s last at The University of Tulsa. Howard received his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees from The University of Tulsa. He later joined the School of Music faculty in 1978, teaching studio trombone and directing the TU Jazz Band, and has served with the TU music faculty for 46 years.
Over the years, he has developed an extensive jazz curriculum with courses such as vocal jazz, jazz improvisation, combos, jazz guitar ensemble, jazz ear training, jazz history, and jazz composition. Bands under his direction have received regional and national recognition through their many award-winning appearances.
Howard holds memberships in many state and national professional organizations, including the National Association for Music Education, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association and College Music Society. He is also vice president and serves on the Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 94, in Tulsa. From 2013 to 2020, Howard served as director of TU’s School of Music, and in January 2024, the Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association recognized Howard as the Oklahoma Collegiate Jazz Director of the Year.
Professor Howard is most proud of his many TU students who have forged successful careers in music performance, music, and jazz education. All the musicians who performed that night were a part of his more than 45-year legacy.