Eastman School of Music, of the University of Rochester, is proud to share two new faculty hires in the Jazz & Contemporary Media (JCM) department, as well as a newly endowed concerts series, all serving to enhance the stellar reputation and offerings of Eastman jazz.

Appointed to begin the 2025-26 academic year, Otis Brown III is named Assistant Professor of Jazz Drum Set and Marshall Gilkes is named Associate Professor of Jazz Trombone. In addition, thanks to a significant gift from the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation, Eastman establishes The Ray Conniff Jazz Ensemble Series, officially naming the student ensemble concert season in the JCM Department, as well as supporting visits by guest artists and the commissioning of new works.

Jeff Campbell serves as the chair of the Jazz & Contemporary Media department. Of the appointment of these two talented artists, Jeff expresses, “Otis and Marshall are both the epitome of artistry and innovation. They are wonderful additions to the JCM department, and our students and faculty alike will greatly benefit from their joining the faculty. We are thrilled to welcome them to Eastman and look forward to this exciting new chapter as they join us next fall.”

The son of music educators turned high school principals, Grammy nominated drummer Otis Brown III is committed to honoring tradition while pushing the boundaries of genre. Having grown up in Newark, N.J. to the sounds of gospel, funk, rhythm and blues, and jazz, Otis believes music is a vessel for spiritual catharsis, storytelling, and advocacy. In his stellar career as a first call musician, he has performed and/or recorded with the likes of artists such as Herbie Hancock, Somi, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding, Terence Blanchard, Robert Glasper, Gretchen Parlato, Regina Carter, and many others. 

Having played with a literal “Who’s Who” in the music world, he has also been a frequent collaborator in the world of modern dance. He has collaborated with MacArthur fellow and Doris Duke Artist Award winner Kyle Abraham and his company A.I.M., and has most recently collaborated with choreographer Hope Boykin and the Alvin Ailey American Dance theater for the premiere of a new work titled “Finding Free”. As a bandleader, Otis has also toured extensively worldwide and released his critically acclaimed debut album “The Thought of You” on the Revive Music/Blue Note record label.  The highly anticipated follow-up will be released in 2025. Otis is a Yamaha drum set artist, as well as being fully endorsed by Remo percussion, Istanbul Agop cymbals, and Vater percussion.

Otis Brown III remarks, “I'm beyond honored to be joining the faculty of the prestigious Eastman School of Music. I've always believed that deep study and mentorship are two pillars of jazz and I'm proud to be joining the amazing professors in the jazz department to share my knowledge with current and future jazz drum set students.”

Over the course of the past 20 years, Marshall Gilkes has established himself as one of the world’s preeminent trombonists. A nonpareil artist at the forefront of brass playing, his virtuosic command of the instrument, marked by a warm and enveloping tone, formidable technique, astounding flexibility and awe-inspiring range, place him in a league of his own. Crafting eight albums since 2004, Gilkes has touched on a variety of settings including the compact trio, quartet and quintet formats, a merging of brass octet and jazz combo, and big band. Drawing heavy praise in the process, including a pair of Grammy nominations, he’s cemented his reputation as a composer and leader of great renown.

His lengthy résumé includes work performing and/or recording with bassist Carlos Henriquez, harpist Edmar Castañeda, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Slide Monsters, bassist Richard Bona, pianist Makoto Ozone and numerous other top-tier musicians and outfits. And through his work with the WDR Big Band and as a longtime member of the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Gilkes has played himself into the rich history of large ensemble music. A marvel of musicality sought after and highly respected in both the jazz and classical worlds, Gilkes has served on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory of Music. In addition, he’s shared his knowledge and skills through master classes, clinics, guest appearances and teaching at other venerable institutions including the Banff Center, University of North Texas, the Brubeck Institute, Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. An S. E. Shires Artist, Gilkes performs on his signature model trombone—an instrument as versatile as its inspiration.ri

"It’s a privilege to join the jazz department at the Eastman School of Music,” Gilkes comments. “I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students and contributing the remarkable trombone tradition that Eastman is known for."

“I am thrilled to welcome Otis Brown III and Marshall Gilkes,” states Kate Sheeran, Joan and Martin Messinger Dean at Eastman. “These two exceptional artists are joining our outstanding faculty at a great time for jazz at Eastman. I am grateful to the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation for their generous gift and vision to support generations of students to come.”

Tamara Conniff, trustee of The Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation says, “I can think of no better way to honor my father than the creation of The Ray Conniff Jazz Ensemble Series. Establishing this gift continues his distinguished legacy, while simultaneously supporting the incredible work of the students and faculty of Eastman’s Jazz & Contemporary Media department.”