The Fresno State Jazz Band A is a performing ensemble within the Music Department. In spring of 2009, Jazz Band “A” was invited and performed at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho - the largest educational jazz festival in the United States. At this festival they were awarded two recognitions: "Recognition for giving a Superior Group Performance at the 2009 Festival" and "Recognition for an Outstanding Individual Performance with a Group."
He is the director of Jazz Band A, a performer and educator. On the faculty of California State University, Fresno, he coordinates and teaches courses in saxophone and jazz studies in addition to directing the "A" Band. Durst has received many awards including honorable mention at the Atwater Kent Concerto Competition (2003), the first person to win the Three Arts Club of Lakewood Competition two consecutive years (1998 & 1999).
Dr. Michael Caldwell is Associate Professor of Music at California State University, Fresno; is the Director of the Clendenin Brass Quintet, and, from 2002-2008, he was the Director of the award-winning Fresno State Jazz Band A . He recently performed with the Ethos Trio in Mexico City during the summer of 2007.
