After 25 years of dedication to the School of Music, beloved Director of Jazz Studies Chris Vadala passed away from cancer on January 17, 2019. We invite you to join us in celebrating his life, legacy and the jazz program that he created with performances by current faculty, the UMD Jazz Ensemble, Chris Vadala All-Star Alumni Band and featured guest artist, trumpeter Allen Vizzutti. Please join us after the concert for a reception.

Vadala’s legacy has the potential to live on in the creation of the Chris Vadala Endowed Scholarship for Jazz, which will provide merit-based scholarships to future students studying jazz in the UMD School of Music. Once funds in the account reach the minimum amount, the fund will be endowed. Please consider making a gift in honor of our friend Chris. You can give online or by contacting David Robinson-Slemp at 301.405.4623.