Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Jack Schantz is stepping down as artistic director of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra to pursue other artistic and personal interests. Schantz, who has served as artistic director for 15 years, will stay with the CJO through the 2008-2009 season if the the orchestra is unable to find a successor.
The trumpet and flugelhorn player also serves as the coordinator of jazz studies at the University of Akron. The move, Schantz explained, will allow him to perform in more intimate settings with the avant-garde group the Cleveland Jazz Unit.
Schantz suggested that his greatest joy in leading the CJO consisted in collaborating with the best players in jazz, both on stage and as guests. He hopes that his successor is someone with an international reputation who can catapult the CJO into the top ranks of global jazz bands.
“I think I’d like to see the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra play a more prominent role on the national, maybe even the international, level,” Schantz said.
More info: clevelandjazz.org
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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