SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert Celebrates Legacy and Reunion

Annual performance features star alumni and tribute to late professor

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Concert Jazz Band welcomed back alumni musicians Carlos Henderson and Chris Leach for its 2026 Jazz Alumni Concert, which featured lively performances, a touching tribute to former Professor Emeritus Rick Haydon, and the presentation of the Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award to Henderson.

Why it matters

The annual jazz alumni concert celebrates the vibrant musical legacy of SIUE's jazz program, showcasing the talents of distinguished alumni and honoring the professors who have shaped generations of musicians.

The details

The concert featured performances by the Concert Jazz Band and the alumni ensemble, with students and guests enjoying the alumni tunes. Henderson was surprised and honored to receive the Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award, which was named after the late Professor Haydon, the inaugural recipient. The final piece of the night was a composition by Stamps called "Mr. Rick," named after Haydon.

  • The 2026 Jazz Alumni Concert was held on February 4, 2026.
  • Rick Haydon, the former professor, passed away prior to the event.

The players

Carlos Henderson

A 1996 SIUE alumnus and bassist who performed at the concert.

Chris Leach

A 1996 SIUE alumnus and trombonist who performed at the concert.

Rick Haydon

A former Professor Emeritus at SIUE who passed away and was honored with a tribute at the concert.

Garrett Schmidt

The conductor of the SIUE Concert Jazz Band and co-host of the event.

Jason Swagler

The director of Jazz Studies at SIUE and co-host of the event.

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What they’re saying

“I was fine until I saw the award and saw Rick's name. Then I saw my name underneath Rick's and it felt so heavy. It's a legacy. I got some big fills not to fill but to walk alongside.”

— Carlos Henderson (riverbender.com)

“Tonight is a powerful reminder of how music connects us across generations, as we honor and celebrate the extraordinary people and artists who have shaped, and continue to shape, this program.”

— Marc Schapman, Chair of the Music Department (riverbender.com)

What’s next

The SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert is an annual event, so the next concert is expected to take place in February 2027.

The takeaway

The SIUE Jazz Alumni Concert showcases the enduring legacy of the university's jazz program, celebrating the talents and achievements of its distinguished alumni while honoring the professors who have mentored generations of musicians.