NORMAL — As the world celebrates International Jazz Day, Alabama A&M University reflects on its deep and enduring connection to the genre – a bond rooted in history, culture, and education.
International Jazz Day, recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011, is more than just a global celebration of music. It honors jazz as a universal language, a vehicle for diplomacy, creativity, and unity across cultures.
For Assistant Director of Bands and Adjunct Professor of Music Charles M. Conner, the significance of this day resonates strongly.
“International Jazz Day isn’t just about the music – it’s a global celebration of culture, creativity, and the power of music to unite people from all walks of life,” said Conner, who has served at AAMU since July 2023. “Jazz’s universal appeal and ability to bridge cultural divides is something we see come to life right here on ‘The Hill.’”
At Alabama A&M, jazz is more than a genre – it’s an educational cornerstone. The University proudly supports two ensembles: the AAMU Jazz Band, directed by Associate Director of Bands Mario Warren, and AAMU Jazz II, directed by Conner. These groups provide students with hands-on experience in jazz performance while honoring the traditions that shaped African American music.
“Jazz education helps develop creativity, critical listening, and cultural awareness,” said Conner. “It ensures that the legacy of jazz continues for future generations – and HBCUs like AAMU play a crucial role in that continuation.”
Indeed, jazz has long played a vital role in the university’s musical evolution. Alabama A&M’s connection to jazz and blues is inseparable from the story of W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” Handy served as the band director of what was then called the State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes from 1900 to 1903, leaving a legacy that still echoes through campus today.
“A native of Florence, Alabama, Handy’s time here as a faculty member is a meaningful part of our history,” said Conner. “His pioneering work in popularizing blues music laid the groundwork for the development of jazz and, by extension, shaped the musical identity of our region.”
Handy’s compositions, including “St. Louis Blues” and “Beale Street Blues,” remain foundational to American music.
Conner says his ability to blend rural folk music with structured arrangements paved the way for the improvisational spirit of jazz – a spirit that lives on in AAMU’s music programs.
Beyond the classroom and concert hall, jazz has influenced the iconic Marching Maroon & White Band and the wider HBCU band tradition.
“Jazz has had a transformative impact on HBCU band programs like ours,” said Conner. “It has shaped performance styles, expanded our repertoire, and sharpened students’ skills in
improvisation and creativity. The fusion of jazz with the dynamic spirit of HBCU marching bands creates something truly unique – something that connects our students to the rich legacy of African American music while inspiring them to innovate and express themselves.”
Jazz’s influence extends even further, reaching into genres like hip-hop, R&B, rock, and classical music. As an educator and performer, Conner sees jazz as both a mirror of African American resilience and a blueprint for musical innovation.
“In short, jazz is a bridge – between past and present, between genres, and between people,” he said. “Its emphasis on individuality and freedom continues to inspire musicians today.”
Conner takes great pride in contributing to an institution steeped in jazz tradition.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to assist in the growth and development of our students here at Alabama A&M University through the performance of jazz music.”
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