The Joint Force Bass Quartet will host a master class and present a concert as part of the School of Music’s annual Bass Fest.
The U.S. military’s only jazz bass ensemble, the Joint Force Bass Quartet (JFBQ), is joining SUNY Fredonia’s Bass Fest 2026.
Based in Washington, D.C,. the JFBQ is comprised of bassists from premier jazz bands that include the United States Army, the Army Blues, the United States Air Force Airmen of Note, the United States Navy Commodores and the United States Marine Band.
It's amazing that the complicated schedules of these four busy musicians could be aligned for Bass Fest on February 15, and I know that everyone is in for a real treat.” - Kieran Hanlon
The JFBQ represents the excellence of the U.S. military and highlights the strengths of each service in a joint force setting. With original arrangements of jazz standards and compositions, the JFBQ's repertoire spans the jazz canon offering something for everyone.
"When I heard the Joint Force Bass Quartet at the International Society of Bassists' Convention in Tallahassee, FL, last June, I immediately knew that I needed to try to get them on campus at Fredonia for an event,” said Associate Professor Kieran Hanlon.
Bass Fest includes a master class, hosted by Mr. Hanlon, on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Mason Hall Room 1080. It is free and open to the public. Register to attend the master class.
JFBQ members will conduct a master class for students on Monday, Feb. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m., in Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall.
A pre-concert chat and question-and-answer session with JFBQ musicians will be held at Rosch Recital Hall at 7 p.m., followed by their concert at 8 p.m. Both are free and open to the public.
“It's amazing that the complicated schedules of these four busy musicians could be aligned for Bass Fest on February 15, and I know that everyone is in for a real treat,” Hanlon said.
