HOW IT STARTED
Bill Wilkinson
The Longmont All Star Jazz Band (LASJB) was established in 2001 under the guidance of the esteemed band director, Bill Wilkinson. Wilkinson’s vision was to create a substantial jazz ensemble that would provide students with a professional-level musical experience while simultaneously fostering their active participation and musical excellence within their community. After a distinguished five-decade career in music education in northern Colorado, Wilkinson passed away in 2024, leaving a profound void in the music community. However, his legacy continues to inspire under the co-direction of Doug Carmichael and Gavin Worland.
Over the past 24 years, the All-Stars have performed at a variety of venues and festivals, including Dazzle, Nissi’s, the Dickens Opera House, Oskar Blues, the Longmont Jazz Festival, and numerous other esteemed events. Their discography comprises six full-length studio albums, showcasing their ability to play lively music at an exceptionally high level. These albums were recorded at renowned studios such as RCA Victor Studios, The Sound Kitchen, and Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN; Martin Sound in Los Angeles, CA; Mighty Fine Productions and Colorado Sound Studios in Denver, CO.
CURRENT
Gavin Worland is a Colorado-based trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator, bandleader, and producer. A graduate of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, Gavin received his master’s degree in jazz performance and his bachelor’s from Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he studied under prolific musicians including Shane Endsley, Gabe Mervine, Annie Booth, and Dawn Clement.
As a performer, Gavin has been fortunate to travel the world playing at impeccable venues, including Carnegie Hall, Boettcher Concert Hall, The Newman Center, Dazzle, and Nissi’s while playing a wide variety of music. Gavin takes immense pride in his versatility as a musician, playing everything from Basie and Bach to Mariachi and Mahler. He has been honored to share the stage with world-class musicians such as Remy LeBoeuf, Greg Gisbert, Gabriel Santiago, and Zach Rich, among many more.
Gavin is highly sought after for his composing, arranging, and engraving. With his jazz background and his love for all styles and genres, he has made a name for himself by being commissioned to work for ensembles ranging from high school bands to professional ensembles.
Gavin serves as the President and Musical Director for the Longmont All Star Jazz Band. As a former student of the All Stars, he is dedicated to preserving the “Mr. Bill” charm that the band has had for the past 25 years with all the classic tunes, while continuing to deliver an accessible, high-quality, professional experience for high schoolers in the St. Vrain Valley School District area.
Gavin also serves on executive committees on multiple music-related nonprofits in Colorado, continues to perform and arrange for ensembles such as the Longmont Concert Band, the Denver Rock Orchestra, and the Longs Peak Stompers, all while teaching privately. In his free time, Gavin enjoys whiskey tastings, learning new instruments, and cheering for his favorite sports teams.
For more information or to learn more about Gavin’s projects, please visit: www.worlandmusic.com.
GAVIN WORLAND
