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New Hamann Family Jazz Piano Chair holder expands the excellence of Interlochen’s jazz program
Pianist Bryn Roberts will offer jazz-focused piano lessons, classes in improvisation and arrangement, and leadership for one of the Academy’s jazz combos—all thanks to the support of visionary donors.
Hamann Family Jazz Piano Chair Bryn Roberts.
When we last shared an update on endowed faculty chairs, the Hamann Family Jazz Piano Chair was an exciting opportunity still waiting to be realized. Now, that chair has its inaugural holder: Bryn Roberts.
Roberts joined the Academy faculty this fall, bringing decades of experience as a jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator to the young musicians in Interlochen’s jazz program. His decorated career includes performances at renowned jazz clubs such as The Jazz Gallery and Dizzy’s, multiple albums—including recordings of his own music and collaborations with other acclaimed artists—and teaching positions at McGill University in Montreal and the University of Portland in Oregon. His latest album, Aloft, will be released through Elastic Recordings on Sept. 27, 2024.
As the Hamann Family Jazz Piano Chair, Roberts will lead one of the Academy’s jazz combos; teach improvisation classes; create a new class on jazz composition and arrangement, and offer private lessons for piano students interested in jazz styles.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the faculty here at Interlochen,” Roberts said. “When I visited the campus earlier this year, I was so impressed by the high level of the students and the other instructors, and by the excellent facilities. I’m excited to get started and get to know everyone.”
Endowed chairs like the Hamann Family Jazz Piano Chair are a central component of Interlochen’s ongoing efforts to recruit and retain the best possible faculty ahead of the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2028. While the institution hopes to increase its impact by endowing additional faculty positions—both existing and new—the addition of Roberts and other acclaimed new instructors continues to build momentum toward this goal.
Over the past three years, eight endowed chairs have been established, including the Linda VanSickle Smith Horn Chair (held by Dr. Lauren Hunt), the Marjorie Drackett Chair in Piano (held by Dr. Kara Huber), and the Nelson Family Harp Chair (held by Joan Raeburn Holland). These prestigious positions empower Interlochen to attract and honor exceptional faculty, which in turn, enables students to receive focused, high-level training in their specific area of interest.
Thanks to the support of visionary donors, including the Hamann Family, who have invested in our world-class faculty, Interlochen is steadily improving—just like the young artists it serves.
Interested in supporting an endowed faculty chair? Contact John Bogley at john.bogley@interlochen.org.
