By Lily Dohmen
For 25 years, Pete Madsen has shaped jazz studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
As area coordinator for jazz studies within the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media, he has nurtured the talents of countless young musicians and expanded the jazz program into a nationally recognized organization.
“My goal has always been to create opportunities for students and bring world-class jazz to Omaha,” Madsen said. “I want students to experience the same excitement I felt when I was their age.”
One highlight of the jazz studies program is its annual Jazz Festival. The festival, which debuted in 1973, has grown into one of the premier educational jazz events in the country.
This year, 56 bands from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Missouri participated in the festival. Students had the opportunity to perform and receive expert feedback from top jazz educators and performers. The festival also featured professional musicians from New York, Los Angeles, Israel, Portugal, Poland and Australia.
Donors play a vital role in the program’s success. The UNO Jazz Area Support Fund has allowed the festival to grow by bringing world-class talent to Omaha.
Recently, a generous philanthropic gift enabled the UNO Jazz Band to perform in Uruguay, leading to an invitation to play in Miami, Florida, with flutist José Valentino.
“Donor support creates a domino effect,” Madsen said. “It opens doors for our students and elevates our program.”
Beyond performances, donations also help fund scholarships, which are crucial for attracting top talent.
Madsen has big goals for the program, including getting the UNO Jazz Band to be selected for the prestigious Jazz Education Network Conference.
“Attending the conference would be a major milestone for us,” Madsen said. “It would show how far we’ve come and continue to raise our profile.”
Through his passion for jazz and dedication to his students, Madsen has built a thriving program at UNO. His students continue to pursue music careers, ensuring that the legacy of UNO Jazz will live on for years to come.
“When I see former students out in the world making music, it reminds me why I do this,” Madsen said. “This program changes lives.”
UNO Jazz Area Support Fund
Support the next generation of jazz musicians at UNO by making a gift to the UNO Jazz Area Support Fund today.
“We compete with other universities for the best students, and scholarships make a difference. We’ve been fortunate, but we still need more support to remain competitive.”
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