Claflin University student Larry Sumpter, Jr. recently returned from New York City after performing with the HBCU All-Star Big Band.  This band is comprised of twenty of the finest jazz musicians chosen by audition from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The ensemble converged on NYC January 10, 2007 for five days where they gave two concerts at the International Association for Jazz Education Conference and a performance at the New York Public Library Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. 

These musicians were brought together through the efforts of the African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC), an affiliate of the IAJE.  The IAJE Conference is quite possibly the largest gathering of jazz musicians and jazz educators in the world.  Their mission is to “assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education.”  The AAJC developed the HBCU All-Star Big Band as a showcase ensemble, providing talented young musicians from HBCU’s the opportunity to perform before this large and very appreciative audience.

            Larry Sumpter of Columbia, SC is a Claflin senior majoring in biochemistry.  He is a graduate of Keenan High School and was active in their band program under the direction of Mr. Willie Lyles. 

            After returning from NYC, Larry had time to reflect on his trip.  “My experience at the conference was simply amazing and several moments were utterly overwhelming.  Sharing the stage with such talented musicians has given me moments I will remember my entire life.  Music is truly a universal language, allowing musicians of all abilities to come together to share in encouragement, inspiration and of course music making.  This trip would not have been possible without the support of faculty, staff and administration at Claflin."

          In further expressing his gratitude for this unique experience Mr. Sumpter added, "I thank them so much for allowing me this opportunity. As our music department continues to grow and as the University continues to strive for higher academic achievement, I hope they will find a way to allow more of our students to attend this incredible annual event.  I’ve been back for a while now and yet the thought of this trip still leaves me as excited as the day of our first performance!”

While in Orangeburg at Claflin, Mr. Sumpter has studied saxophone with Mr. Bryson Borgstedt, Artist-in-Residence and Director of Jazz, who said of the talented musician, “Larry has been a wonderful student.  He has made strong contributions to our department through his participation in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and our newly formed saxophone ensemble.  It’s truly an honor for him to be selected for this group, and I’m very proud of Larry for his accomplishment.  While he is the first Claflin student to make the HBCU All-Star Big Band, I’m hopeful that we will have more young musicians ready for the rigorous audition process next year." 

Mr. Borgstedt said that the entire music department was proud of Mr. Sumpter's achievement. "This event has been a real boost to our music department and our emerging’ jazz program.  I thank Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale; Dr. Allen Molineux, Chair of the Department of Music; Dr. Cedric Adderley, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs; all involved staff and for making Larry Sumpter’s journey possible.”