Local Pairings is a new RSO Zoom series that pairs an area musician and an RSO musician to discuss classical music and techniques and how it has influenced their music.
Meet Our Guest Musicians

Joel Ross

A multi-faceted musician and life-long Rockford resident, Joel Ross is a noted pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and music educator. Noted for an equal facility in both the classical and jazz realm, Joel's eclectic performance experience ranges from solo recital, chamber music, symphonic literature, and oratorio, to appearances in choral conventions, jazz festivals, and musical theater. Of particular note are his innovative interpretations of classic jazz standards and the Great American Songbook. From 1988-2014, he served as Music Director of Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford, sharing his passion for choral art in hundreds of performances in the community as well as annual tours both domestic and international.

 Joel's history with the RSO spans nearly 40 years when in the early 1980s, he accompanied the Rockford Symphony Chorus, and from 1985-87 served as Chorus Master. Since 1998, he has served as a keyboardist for the RSO, lending his varied talents. In a solo capacity, he has appeared in Claude Bolling’s Suite for Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Piano Trio, and I Got Rhythm Variations of Gershwin. As a bass-baritone soloist, he has showcased both his vocal and comedic talents in PDQ Bach’s oratorio The Seasonings, and Flanders and Swann’s Ill Wind, based on Mozart’s Horn Concerto in E flat. At the podium, he has conducted the RSO in collaborations with Kantorei including Holiday Pops and the sold-out series of concerts celebrating the renovation of the Coronado Theatre. Joel’s also appeared as Youth Concert host, RSYO Trivia Night game emcee, voice-over talent, narrator, and celebrity roaster at Steve Larsen’s 25th RSO Anniversary!

 He holds degrees in both Music and Business Administration from North Park University in Chicago. In recognition of his contribution to the Rockford music community, he is the recipient of the Mayor’s Arts Award (2004), the Mendelssohn Center for the Performing Arts “Star of Excellence” Award” (2006), and the Alpine Kiwanis Club “Touch-a-Life” Award (2014). He also is celebrating nearly 40 years in retail as co-owner of Randee’s Music Center in Rockford, specializing in pianos, fretted instruments, and print music.

 A certifiable old house buff, his creative energies are also evident in the restoration of his historic boyhood home. He also has continued to invest in his hometown by purchasing and renovating several properties in the neighborhood and renting them to deserving families. 

Harlan Jefferson

Rockford, Illinois native Harlan Jefferson began his musical journey via his parents' record collection, which included the soul and funk of the '70s, the Motown gospel soul of the '60s, and the jazz and hard bop of the '50s. His love affair with classic gospel, jazz ballads, and rhythm and blues music of earlier decades started when he was a toddler and his family would gather to make music together after church. At the age of 10 years old, he began taking saxophone lessons under the instruction of his father, professional saxophonist A.Z. Jefferson, Jr.
 
By the age of 13, Harlan was working in clubs and touring the area performing the national anthem including professional and semi-professional sporting events. While in his teen years Harlan played in his High School and College band, winning several awards and participated in the prestigious All-State Jazz Band. As Harlan evolved into a more experienced and seasoned musician, he began putting together his own bands and musical events. One of his prized creations was Harlan Jefferson & The Funk Attack.
 
Potent as a saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and actor, Harlan Jefferson is a dynamic, creative and soulful artist known for playing music from traditional jazz to country. He possesses an extraordinary talent for creating music that speaks personally to every individual who hears him perform and is known for exploring new dimensions of contemporary jazz without relying simply on technique.

Harlan has either played with or opened up for such artists as R-Kelly, Tower of Power, Regina Carter, Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Danny Boy, Richie Cole, Parliament Funkadelic, Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Smith (Organist), Spyro Gyro, Brandford Marsalis, Bob James, Koko Taylor, Mark Colby and many more. To date, he has released four CDs, and won numerous awards, including being inducted into the Rockford Area Music Industry Awards Hall of Fame.