About the Jazz X-Press

The Jazz X-Press, directed by Rocky Winslow, is the top jazz ensemble at CSU, Chico. There are about 20 CSU, Chico students of any major in this auditioned ensemble. Instrumentation includes trombone, trumpet, saxophone, bass, guitar, drums, and piano. The Jazz X-Press plays pieces from standard big band jazz to cutting edge jazz to student compositions. Styles of pieces can include standard jazz, funk, Latin, rock, etc. In their concerts, the ensemble makes use of jazz improvisation and original “charts” written specifically for the ensemble.

Rocky Winslow has been the director of jazz studies at California State University, Chico since 2002. Winslow received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz studies from University of North Texas. In addition to his experiences as a professor, Winslow is also a professional trumpet Yamaha artist and clinician, appearing regularly at high schools and universities around the country. He has served as the all-state guest conductor and a trumpet clinician for music education associations in Texas, Nevada, California, Arkansas, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, and Scotland. As a performer, Winslow has shared the stage, recorded, and toured with artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Heath, Vincent Falcone Orchestra, Chaka Khan, Peabo Bryson, The Temptations, Don Menza Big Band, Natalie Cole, Drew Carey, Paul Anka, The Four Tops, Bob Newhart, Frankie Valli, and many others.