March 31, 2025
On any given Monday or Wednesday evening, the cavernous Marillac Hall Auditorium takes on the cozy, close-knit feel of a hip music venue as St. John’s University students perform live jazz music. Founded in 1987 by a few dedicated students, the St. John’s Jazz Band has evolved into a popular creative outlet for campus musicians looking to find a gig, advance their academic coursework, or simply keep playing the music and instruments they love.
Under the direction of Michael Gayle, Ed.D., the Jazz Band hosts two weekly rehearsal sessions from 7:10 to 10 p.m. that are interactive workshops designed to improve the skills of all instrumentalists. Students can earn academic credit as part of the Music minor in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Designed to provide a foundation in the language and history of music and experience performing in an ensemble, this minor allows students to use their creative talents effectively while pursuing other areas of study.
“Right now, most of the students are not earning academic credit, but instead are here because they want to perform,” stated Dr. Gayle, Director of the Jazz Band and an accomplished multi-instrument musician and composer. A native of Stuttgart, Germany, Dr. Gayle spent his formative years in the United States and mastered various genres, including Caribbean/Jazz, Classical, Contemporary Christian, and Gospel music, and boasts a unique blend of diverse musical influences.
During the lively sessions, Dr. Gayle smoothly moves about the stage, instructing students to play the bass, drums, piano, and saxophone. He arrived at the University after the passing of the legendary Ferdinand “Freddie” Motley IV, the longtime director of the St. John’s Jazz Band who succumbed to COVID-19 in the early days of the global pandemic.
“Being able to perform live is critical to our success,” explained Dr. Gayle. “Coming out of the pandemic, the Jazz Band has worked hard to rebuild student membership and seek out performances.”
The Jazz Band regularly performs on the Queens, NY, campus throughout the academic year. Several students also play in the Pep Band or played an instrument in high school and want to keep performing. At a recent Monday evening session, the group laughed together, encouraging each other as they rehearsed for upcoming performances.
Sitting in the crowd awaiting her turn at the microphone was Julianna Vincent, a senior Marketing major from Milford, CT, and a self-described typical “high school theater kid.” Julianna regularly performed in school plays and a choir group.
“When I got to college, I thought my time performing was done until I took a songwriting class with Dr. Gayle—which was the gateway to me now performing with the Jazz Band,” she recalled.
“Dr. Gayle helped arrange two songs I composed to be performed with the Jazz Band. When you write something and see people enjoy your work, that is a special moment,” she observed.
“Yes, I am here studying business, and I want to live and work in Manhattan after graduation, but this is my outlet. Finding the Jazz Band allowed me to find myself and cemented my place at St. John’s.”
Meanwhile, on stage, Margaret “Maggie” Whiteley, a junior majoring in Homeland Security at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, joined her bandmates playing the trumpet as they repeatedly rehearsed the quintessential jazz standard, “Come Fly With Me” by the late Frank Sinatra. She then moved to center stage to boldly belt out the Billie Holiday classic, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
“The Jazz Band is a special group,” she observed. “Students inclined toward performing, singing, or just appreciating great music should get to know us and what we do.”
The Jazz Band will host their annual concert on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. in The Little Theatre. For information about joining and productions, please contact Michael Gayle, Director, at gaylem@stjohns.edu.
“St. John’s is proud to be home to several exciting performing arts organizations,” said Dr. Gayle. “Whether singing, acting, dancing, or playing an instrument, there are multiple opportunities for students to get involved with the Performing Arts. Besides the Jazz Band, we also offer the Mixed Chorus, Voices of Victory Gospel Choir, and Chappell Players Theater Group.”
The Jazz Band's 2024 Spring Concert is featured below.