Larry Hammett

Larry Hammett is the Director of Guitar Studies at the University of Oklahoma, one of the most successful guitar programs in the country with a full undergraduate and graduate studio and over 150 non-major guitarists each semester.  Hammett has been teaching at the college level since 1982.

A recognized expert in both classical and jazz guitar, Hammett is in constant demand to fill both genres as a performer and accompanist.  He has performed and given master classes in France, Mexico, Argentina, and across the United States.  

The trio will be performing what Hammett calls “a hybrid of world music and jazz.  That is to say music not related to jazz but forced into the category by adding improvisation and performing it with the traditional jazz ensemble: Drums / Bass / Guitar.”  There will be renaissance pieces as well as music from Spain and France, and a few of Hammett's own compositions. 

The trio is new and is currently exploring the possibilities of many types of music.  

Joining Hammett will be Anthony Stoops on bass and Mark Giammario on percussion. 

Dr. Stoops is Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music.  Since winning first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition, he has performed internationally as a soloist, improviser and chamber musician. Dr. Stoops has presented masterclasses in Europe, South America and throughout the U.S.

A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Iowa, Stoops is widely regarded as one of the top bass soloists in the world today.

Mark Giammario studied music and percussion at the University of Miami and the Boys Harbor of Performing Arts in East Harlem, NY.  His extensive performance experience has given him the opportunity to play in a wide array of styles, including jazz, blues, R&B, classical, country/western, latin, Caribbean, swing, big band, Greek, Russian, Irish and Italian. 

In addition to performing as a percussionist, Giammario writes and arranges music and accompanies modern dance classes at the University of Oklahoma School of Dance.  He plays in several local groups.  He has a BS in Multi-Disciplinary Studies from the University of Oklahoma.

“This is sure to be an exciting concert.  The caliber of the musicians is incredible.  I’m so looking forward to hearing this new group.” says Nancy McClellan, PAS jazz committee member.

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

Enjoy paintings and photographs by Janet Brenan Sherry while at the Depot.