USC JAZZ STRINGS Directed by Bert Ligon Yes, there is a Jazz String Ensemble. The University of South Carolina Jazz Strings is currently an ensemble of two violins, two cellos, piano, bass and drums, with an occasional sax player. There are very few groups of this kind anywhere in the world. It is a unique organization with string players playing music traditionally reserved for saxes and brass players. The USC Jazz Strings performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) International conference in Anaheim, California in January, 1999. Darol Anger (founding member of Turtle Island String Quartet) performed with the group as guest soloist.

Back row: Ron Wiltrout (drums), Tim Baker (violin II), Brian Mulholland (bass). Front row: Bert Ligon (Director, piano), Robbie Anderson (violin I), Dawn Biega (cello), Adrienne Woods (cello).

USC JAZZ STRINGS at IAJE, JANUARY, 1999 After the performance: Back row: Ron Wiltrout (drums), Tim Baker (violin II), Brian Mulholland (bass). Front row: Bert Ligon (Director, piano), Robbie Anderson (violin I), Dawn Biega (cello), Adrienne Woods (cello).

Adrienne Woods (cello), Darol Anger, Dawn Biega (cello) IAJE String Chair Darol Anger, Jazz violin pioneer & educator Joe Kennedy, University of South Carolina professor Bert Ligon, Berklee String Dept. head Matt Glaser, Turtle Island String Quartet member Evan Price, and Uptown String Quartet cofounder Lesa Terry at the IAJE convention, February 1999.