Ellis Marsalis is stepping down from his role as chair of the jazz studies department at the University of New Orleans (UNO). The 66 year-old pianist will be replaced by trumpeter Terence Blanchard, a former Marsalis student and New Orleans native.
“Ellis was unique,” said UNO Chancellor Gregory O’Brien. “It would take a lot of people to replace Ellis. But Terence is very committed to the position.” Blanchard studied under Marsalis at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts.
Marsalis marked his retirement at a family performance on Aug. 4, only the second time he and his sons (saxophonist Branford, trumpeter Wynton, trombonist Delfeayo and drummer Jason) have shared a stage together.
Ellis’ contributions to UNO will be sorely missed, but as long as there’s a Marsalis making music, the dynasty will remain strong.
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