Benjamin M.

Jansson
(734)395-8915
jjjJansson

1325 Minerva
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Saxophone/Woodwinds

benjansson@yahoo.com

Education
Master of Music, Jazz Studies, Michigan State University, 2010
Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies, Wayne State University, 2007
Humber College, Jazz Studies, 2000

Teaching Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Jazz Studies, Michigan State University (MSU).
Undergraduate Instructor (ensembles, jazz improvisation)
MUS 301-302, Advanced Jazz Musicianship (2008-2010)
Undergraduate Jazz improvisation, theory, repertoire class (Jazz
Studies majors only)
MSU Jazz Orchestra III (2009-2010)
Large jazz ensemble, advanced bigband jazz repertoire, performed
annual MSU concerts and various community outreach concerts.
MSU Octet IV (2008-2009)
Small jazz ensemble, performed annual MSU concerts, community
outreach concerts.
Other Responsibilities
Helped organize community outreach concerts
Co- directed and managed MSU Jazz Spectacular, state-wide, high school
jazz festival, part of Essentially Ellington Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Assisted with student recruitment for MSU Jazz Studies department through
performance and workshops

Jazz Instructor, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Civic Youth Jazz Program,

2009
Conducted weekly jazz improvisation, ear training, repertoire class
Mentored saxophone students within the Civic Jazz Orchestra program
Instrumental Music Teacher (grades 4-8), Friends School In Detroit
(2005-2006).
Directed Middle School/ High School band
Taught 4th grade general music
Freelance Jazz/Saxophone Clinician
Topics include jazz improvisation, music theory, transcription in jazz,
saxophone technique, woodwind doubling, repertoire in jazz, jazz
history
Previous jazz clinics conducted in: Detroit (2009), Midland, MI
(2009), Ann Arbor (2007), Hale MI, (2005), Toronto, Ontario,(2000)
Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute Teacher, Chelsea Center for the Arts (May 2010present)
Woodwind lessons-jazz theory
Implemented new jazz program at Chelsea Center for the Arts called
Jazz Alive! Features a weekly jazz ensemble rehearsal and
workshop along with outreach performances.
Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute Teacher, Ann Arbor School for the Performing
Arts (August 2010-present)
Woodwind lessons, jazz theory
Private Teacher saxophone, flute, clarinet 1996-present.

Professional Performance Experience

Leader of the Ben Jansson Quartet, Quintet and Trio
Smalls Jazz Club, New York City
Bakers Keyboard Lounge, Cliff Bells Jazz Club, Cadiex Caf - Detroit, MI
Firefly Club, Goodnight Gracies Jazz Cafe, Kerrytown Concert House
- Ann Arbor, MI
Creole Gallery - Lansing, MI
Degage Jazz Caf, Murphys Place Jazz Club - Toledo, Ohio
Andys Jazz Club - Chicago, Illinois

Rex Blues and Jazz Bar, Pilot Tavern - Toronto, Ontario

Ben Jansson Quintet, recorded live at the Firefly Jazz Club - Ann Arbor, MI
Sweetie Pie, PKO Records, 2006

As a Sideman
Freddy Cole Quartet, Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 2010
Harry James Orchestra, Mid-West tour, 2008-2010
Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Mid-West tour, 2009-2010
The Temptations, Ann Arbor, 2008
Aretha Franklin, with the Maurice Davis Big Band, Detroit, 2006
Member of the Paul Keller Jazz Orchestra and Quartet, various performances
throughout Michigan 2001-2010
Member of the Pete Siers Quartet, various performances throughout Michigan
2007-2010
Member of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, Mackinac Island, MI, 2004-2006
Gold Diggers off-Broadway production, staff musician, Lydia
Mendelssohn theatre, Ann Arbor, MI, 2007
She Loves Me off Broadway production, staff musician, Performance
Network, Ann Arbor, 2005
Al Martino, Costa Cruise Lines, Mexico, 2000
Paul Keller Jazz Orchestra, Ann Arbor-Detroit, current member
Pete Siers Quartet, Ann Arbor-Detroit, current member
Past Performances With
Hot Club of Detroit
Pat Labarbera
Marcus Belgrave
Red Holloway
Tom Saunders
Johnny Trudell
Scott Gwinnell/ Jazz Orchestra
Sean Dobbins /Sextet
Matt Michaels
Jerry Mckenzie Quartet
George saxBenson

Karriem Riggins
Dwight Adams
Neil Swainson
Kieran Overs
Jerry Fuller
Richard Whiteman
Steve Wallace
Quincy Davis
Johnny Bassett
Mel Wanzo

Rodney Whitaker
Wendell Harrison
Rick Roe
Ellen Rowe
Jim Dapogny
Rob Smith
Dennis Wilson
Vincent Chandler

Tim Froncek
Spike Wilner
John Boutte
Alex Graham

University Performances
Dee Dee Bridgewater - Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra, 2009
Jon Faddis - Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra, 2008
Wycliff Gordon - Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra, 2010
Diane Schuur -Wayne State University Jazz Orchestra, 2006
Joe Lovano - Wayne State University Jazz Orchestra, 2010
Ingrid Jenson - Humber College, 2000

Festival Performances
Brantford International Jazz Festival, 2010
Michigan Jazz Festival, 2008, 2009, 2010
Midland Arts Festival, 2009
Detroit International Jazz Festival, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Tiffin Jazz Festival, 2009
Grand Hotel Labor Day Jazz Festival, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010
Toronto TD Jazz Festival, 2007
Motor City Blues and Boogie -Woogie Festival, 2006
Port Hope Jazz Festival, 2006
Disney American Teacher Awards, with vocal group Take 6
North Sea Jazz Festival, 1996
Ann Arbor Summer Festival, 1995, 1996

Opening Performances
- Grand Hotel Orchestra, opening for Manhattan Transfer, Grand Hotel Labor
Day Jazz festival, 2010
- Grand Hotel Orchestra, opening for Count Basie Orchestra and
Marlena Shaw, Grand Hotel Labor Day Jazz Festival, 2005
- Grand Hotel Orchestra-Arturo Sandoval, Grand Hotel Labor Day
Jazz Festival, 2006
- 2 OClock Jazz Ensemble-Ray Charles, Ann Arbor Summer
Festival, 1996
- 2 OClock Jazz Ensemble-Dave Brubeck, Ann Arbor Summer
Festival 1995

Awards
Talent Scholarship-Wayne State University, 2004, 2005, 2006
Activity Award-Wayne State University, 2005, 2006
Talent Scholarship-Humber College, 1996-2000

Discography:
Organic Roots, PETE SIERS QUARTET, PKO Records,
with special guest Marcus Belgrave, February, 2009
Swinging The Praise, PAUL KELLER QUARTET, PKO Records,
December, 2009
Sweetie Pie, BEN JANSSON QUINTET, PKO Records, recorded live at
the Firefly Club, Ann Arbor, MI, December, 2006
Motor City Blues and Boogie-Woogie Festival, PAUL KELLER
ORCHESTRA, with special guest Red Holloway, DVD, PBS, 2006

Various Recorded Events

A Night at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, (Jazz at Lincoln Center), FREDDY
COLE QUARTET, Sirius satellite radio, New York City, 2010
A Study in Jazz, MSU TODAY, DOCUMENTARY, Big Ten
Television Network, 2009
Morning Jazz, INTERVIEW WITH LINDA YOHN, WEMU, 89.1
Eastern Michigan University
"What is this Thing Called Jazz, INTERVIEW WITH LOFTON
EMINARI, on Chicago Public radio, WHPK 88.5, Chicago, 2008

REFERENCES
Available upon request