U of L School of Music Adds Contemporary Music Courses

John LaBarbera Joins Faculty

The University of Louisville School of Music has added several courses in contemporary music to its Fall curriculum, including a course in Music Business to be taught by John LaBarbera.

In addition to the Jazz Theory, Ensemble and Combo classes regularly taught at the school, Steve Crews will teach a class in "The Art of Piano Improvisation."

There will also be a class in the History of Rock and Roll, taught by Tom Poole.

The addition of LaBarbera to the Music School faculty is very exciting, according to Mike Tracy, Assistant Professor of Music Education. LaBarbera is an internationally known composer/arranger in the field of big-band jazz, with experiences ranging from playing with and arranging for the Glenn Miller Orchestra, to numerous appearances with Buddy Rich. He also arranged for the Boston Pops Orchestra; has national television composition credits, including writing the CBS Movie theme; orchestrated "A Chorus Line;" has done documentary and film work; and teaches in his spare time.

Additionally, LaBarbera's is widely recognized as an expert in the field of MIDI, SMPTE and other related electronic music technologies. A course in MIDI is scheduled for the Spring Semester.

LaBarbera's move to Louisville was motivated by his desire to raise his children away from such big cities as New York and Los Angeles, Tracy said. The University of Louisville will be greatly enriched by the move, as LaBarbera will bring a degree of knowledge and experience in the music industry not usually available in a city the size of Louisville.

For more information, call the School of Music at 588-6907.