Marrviard Quartet

Shortly after trumpeter Mike Gillespie arrived at the University of Oklahoma campus he saw a need for a small jazz group amidst the larger university sponsored ensembles.  Pulling the group together was easy, Mike says.  The potential for an outstanding jazz combo had been sitting in the big band all along.  

Bassist David Hickey, drummer Richard Shafter, and pianist Barron Ryan were eager to join with Gillespie and get started.  After a few rehearsals the group started gigging around town and with the support of friends and jazz enthusiasts, gained a reputation as the University’s go-to jazz providers.  Back then they went under the title of the OU Jazztet.  “Marrviard, the name the quartet uses now, is a combination of all the members’ names and represents our growth together as musicians.” Gillespie says. 

Quartet members are all seniors in the University of Oklahoma Jazz Program. 

For additional information about PAS programs, phone 307-9320 or stop by the Depot, 200 South Jones.  Office hours are 8 to 3 Tuesday through Friday and most Sunday's from 1 to 5.

Jazz Concerts in the Depot are made possible in part by grants from the Norman Arts Council, the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.