Description

UCF’s premier jazz ensemble, the Flying Horse Big Band, swings under the direction of Saul Dautch, the interim director of Jazz Studies and Instructor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of Central Florida.

Saul Dautch is a woodwind doubler, composer/arranger and educator based in the NYC/NJ area, specializing in the baritone saxophone. Born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida, Saul's musical journey began at an early age, culminating in his enrollment in the International Baccalaureate program at Atlantic Community High School. During these years, he studied privately with Mike Brignola and Neil Bacher, who both helped to further develop his love for music and his voice on the baritone saxophone. His thirst for knowledge and mastery of jazz led him to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of Jeff Rupert. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Saul ventured to New Brunswick, New Jersey, to further his education at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts. There, he immersed himself in the vibrant jazz scene, earning a Master of Music in Jazz Studies under the mentorship of Ralph Bowen, Gary Smulyan, and Conrad Herwig. His dedication to his craft was evident not only in his academic pursuits but also in his active involvement as a teaching assistant and guest lecturer, sharing his passion for music theory and jazz history with students. After completing his graduate studies, Saul moved to Brooklyn, New York where he currently resides and works as a freelance musician, educator, composer/arranger, and soloist. He has performed with many world-class big bands including: The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Flying Horse Big Band, The Robert Edwards Big Band, John Yao and his 17-Piece Instrument, The Orlando Jazz Orchestra, Bill O’Connell’s Afro Caribbean Ensemble and many more. He has shared the stage with the likes of Harry Allen, George Garzone, Conrad Herwig, Bill O’Connell, Robby Ameen, Antonio Hart, Clarence Penn, Jeff Rupert, and Veronica Swift amongst others. Saul is a featured soloist on several albums released by the Flying Horse Big Band: Big Man on Campus (2016), The Bat Swings (2018) and Good News! (2019). In 2019, Saul was selected as one of 15 recipients to receive a fellowship to the prestigious Ravinia Steans Institute where he received instruction and mentorship from Rufus Reid, Billy Childs, and Steve Wilson.

The Flying Horse Big Band is one of the premiere performing ensembles of the UCF Music Department. They have appeared at the Montreux, Switzerland, and the North Sea Jazz Festivals, as well as numerous festival and concert appearances domestically. The band has featured Randy Brecker, Bob Berg, Michael Mossman, James Moody, Nick Brignola, Harry Allen, Steve Turre, Rodney Holmes, Terry Gibbs, Marvin Stamm, Mulgrew Miller, John Swana, Kevin Mahogany, Lou Donaldson and Eric Alexander with the band. In 2005, the Flying Horse Big Band premiered Sam Rivers’ work for double big band, with Rivers’ RIVBEA orchestra. The group has had six recordings  on the national jazz charts. Recordings include Jazz Town, The Blues is Alright, Into the Mystic, Big Man on Campus, The Bat Swings!, and most recently, Florida Rays. The last two albums climbed to #1 on the national (professional) jazz charts.

General Admission is paid at the door. $30 for members of the Jazz Society and Veterans Memorial Center, $35 for guests and students are free. Bring your own food and drink. Tables, chairs, live jazz and a beautiful view of the river are provided.