معرفی
Christopher Merz serves as Professor of Jazz Studies and Director of Jazz Band I at the University of Northern Iowa's School of Music, a position he has held since 2002. He directs the award-winning UNI Jazz Band One and received the 2024-2025 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence for sustained excellence across faculty responsibilities.
His educational background includes a Master of Music from the University of Massachusetts.
Professor Merz's creative work centers on jazz composition and arranging for large ensembles, with commissions from university and high school bands nationwide. His performance practice spans contemporary jazz interpretation, notably through ensembles celebrating Wayne Shorter's works, and jazz education via the UNI Combo Camp he founded in 2000, which has served over 1,000 high school students.
His distinguished recognition includes:
- Regents Award for Faculty Excellence (2024-2025)
- John L. Baker Faculty Development award (2016)
- CHFA University Book and Supply Outstanding Teaching award (2006)
- Jazz Educators of Iowa Hall of Fame (2015)
- Community Jazz Center of Des Moines Hall of Fame (2023)
As an active performer, he leads Christopher's Very Happy Band and Shorter Stories while collaborating with the Iowa Jazz Composers' Orchestra and Big Fun. He was awarded professional development leave for Fall 2025 to arrange Phil Haynes' music for large ensemble, and is endorsed by D'Addario and TM Custom tenor saxophones.
