Alan Chan

Alan Chan is an Adjunct Professor and Director of the El Camino College Jazz Program, recognized for his innovative fusion of jazz with classical and traditional Chinese musical elements. He founded the 17-piece Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra (ACJO) in 2011, which has performed with top LA musicians and international ensembles like the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. His works explore cross-cultural collaborations, such as integrating pipa and suona instruments, and have been featured at venues including the Los Angeles Times-reviewed Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration and the Brooklyn Central Library.

Educationally, he directed the El Camino College Concert Jazz Band for five years, conducting over 120 big band compositions and earning the 2017 Achievement Award for Distinguished Teaching. His mentorship under Gary Lindsay, Vince Mendoza, and Jim McNeely shaped his classical-to-jazz transition. Chan has served as a guest artist at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and a judge for prestigious competitions like the Percussive Arts Society Composition Contests.

Recent projects include the 2023 OPERA America’s IDEA Grant for Immortal Labia, a new opera with Victoria Moy, and the ongoing Moon Walk series blending jazz with Chinese instruments. His music emphasizes global inspiration—from Alaskan nature to Hong Kong heritage—while maintaining a witty, accessible style. Future performances include the 2025 'Snow Maze' series and the Jazz Education Network Conference in Orlando.

Chan’s awards span composition prizes (ArtEZ Contest, Percussive Arts Society) and institutional recognitions. His work with ACJO has produced acclaimed albums like Shrimp Tale (2014), which received top rankings in Japan and supported post-earthquake Japan relief efforts.

Grant activities include funding from ASCAP Foundation, New Music USA, and the Swedish Arts Council. His educational contributions include developing the ECC Jazz Festival and fostering intergenerational learning through collaborations with artists like Min Xiao-Fen and Guo Yazhi. Chan maintains an active presence in both traditional and experimental music spaces, bridging LA’s jazz scene with international audiences.