Aaron Vandermeer, Trumpet         

Aaron  Vandermeer is the Director of Jazz Studies and Music Business at UNCP.   Trained at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University under the tutelage of David Baker, he has diverse performing experience in jazz, funk, musical theater, R&B, and classical music.  He has performed with the David Baker Big Band, The Impalas, The Mustard Cats, The Dorsey Brothers Big Band, The Dynamics, Mojai, and others.   (see full bio)

Larry Arnold, Bass   

Larry Arnold is Professor of Music and Media Integration at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Holding degrees in Composition from UW-Madison and the University of Iowa, Dr. Arnold teaches music theory, audio production, composition, jazz bass, and Media Integration Studies. He is much in demand as a performer with an average of 200 professional engagements each year as choir accompanist, and on bass, piano and guitar.  (see full bio)

Derek Day, Guitar   

Derek Day teaches guitar and courses in Jazz Studies at UNCP.  He has studied at SUNY-Buffalo where he received the Master of Music, Shenandoah Conservatory and University of Miami.  He recorded with a long list of artists, notably including Gary Thomas, Drew Gress, Clay Jenkins, and Frank Mantooth.  Additionally, he has performed with Red Rodney, Terell Stafford, and Tim Warfield Jr.  Derek is also an outstanding classical guitarist. (see full bio)