The Marquis Hill Blacktet at Scullers

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Trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is widely recognized as one of the preeminent voices on the instrument of his generation.

 

At 12 years of age, Mr. Hill became a member of the South Shore Youth Jazz Ensemble under the direction of saxophonist and educator Ronald Carter. He has been an active participant in the programs offered at Ravinia including the Ravinia Jazz Scholars and the Ravinia Steans Music Institute, the former of which brought him into contact with mentors Bobby Broom, Tito Carillo, and Willie Pickens. Mr. Hill’s musical education further expanded by attending Northern Illinois University, from which he graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. While still an undergraduate, Mr. Hill began to be regarded as one of the most in demand trumpeters in Chicago.

 

Upon finalizing his formal education with a Master of Music degree in Jazz Pedagogy from DePaul University, Marquis Hill began working more frequently both as a sideman and a leader of his own ensemble, the Blacktet, throughout the region; appearing at festivals, clubs, and theaters with increasing frequency. His musical prowess began to garner more recognition after winning such competitions as the International Trumpet Guild jazz competition (2012) and most recently the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition (2014), widely regarded as the most prestigious in its field.

 

The Marquis Hill Blacktet plays Scullers Jazz Club on Saturday, Aug 26. Showtime is 8 PM. Tickets $30-$80.