Jesse Nolan (Percussion) – Adjunct Professor of Jazz
Jesse received his BA in Music Education and MM in Jazz Studies & Percussion from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is currently working toward his DMA in Music Education from Boston University. Jesse teaches jazz courses (arranging, history, styles), music technology courses (intro to music tech, digital recording techniques), and applied jazz percussion. Jesse’s most recent engagement, a four year tenure as a Resident Music Director for multiple Blue Man Group productions, saw him performing with the group on two North American tours and two international tours, as well as drumming as a member of the Chicago and Orlando casts. He has performed and toured the world with artists, bands, and shows including James Moody, Allen Vizzutti, Bob Shepard, Lorraine Feather, David Baker, the Rob Parton JazzTECH Big Band, the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, the 50th Anniversary European Tour of West Side Story (2 Olivier Nominations), and a 2009 North American Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (w/ Ted Neeley). As a classical percussionist, Jesse has played under the baton of Fred Fennell, Harry Begian, Michael Barrett, and Ray E. Cramer, and has performed at The Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, Bands of America, and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. As President of MashPlant, an education technology company, Jesse works to oversee all software development and educational initiatives throughout the United States. He is also the owner of Big Pear Productions, a company that specializes in commercial music, recording, audio & video production and live events for clients including State Farm, Banana Republic, Virgin America, Bergdorf-Goodman, & the Intercontinental Hotel Group. Jesse is a sub-committee chair of the Jazz Education Network Ed Committee and a proud member of the Vic Firth Education team, with whom he holds an educational endorsement.