Augsburg College Jazz Ensemble, Gospel Praise Anthology Volume 1, 1991-1998

From the liner notes: The Augsburg College Jazz Ensemble and Gospel Praise is a talented group of musicians that exemplifies the mission of Augsburg to uphold and further cultural diversity, not only in philosophy but also in practice. Hundreds of schools and churches have experienced the impact of this historical presentation through repertoire that includes traditional gospel tunes, African-American jazz standards, Jamaican Reggae, and Native American songs. Augsburg's Jazz Ensemble and Gospel Praise has performed at the ELCA Youth Gatherings in Atlanta (1995), New Orleans ( 1997), and St. Louis (2000), and were selected by the New Orleans Times-Picayune as a "Best Bet." The group has also performed at festivals, churches, high schools, and community centers throughout the United States. In 1998, they performed for the National Service Learning Convention in Minneapolis where keynote speaker Muhatmud Ghandi III lauded them as "very inspirational." Under the direction of founder Robert Stacke, Ph.D., Augsburg performing arts students rehearse and perform side-by-side with some of the best jazz and gospel musicians in the Midwest, a number of whom are Augsburg alumni. Student musicians come from varied academic disciplines including music performance, business administration, biology, and chemistry, and have diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. The performers personify the finest in Christian leadership and musical accomplishment. Augsburg College is a private college of liberal arts and sciences, founded in 1869, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The campus is located in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, recognized as one of the country's cultural centers. Students at Augsburg enjoy the unique benefits of continuous access to the Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Opera, the Walker Art Center, and the Guthrie Theater. Augsburg's 3,000 students come from diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.