Brian Justison, professor of music at Millikin and coordinator of percussion, started the group a few years ago as a world percussion ensemble.
"Eventually, we got tired of just playing beats," said Justison, which was when the other instruments were added and the name changed to the Latin Jazz Project. "The thing we focus on is different rhythm styles."
The ensemble provides students with the opportunity to explore playing techniques and rhythms from around the world with a special emphasis on Afro-Caribbean music. In addition to offering traditional world music performances, the group's interest in combining elements of western and non-western music has given rise to an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, and world music which has thrilled audiences throughout the region.
In 2013, the group won a Downbeat Award for Outstanding Latin Jazz Performance.
The performance was sponsored by the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, whose members sponsor similar events at schools in the hope of influencing children to sign up for band or orchestra.
Click here to read more about the performance in an article from the Herald & Review.
