Larry Panella

The Fine Arts Summer Academy is happy to announce Larry Panella, master pedagogue to saxophone and clarinet students, will be directing Big Band, and Improvisation courses, as well as private instruction for saxophone students.

Larry Panella serves on the faculty of The University of Southern Mississippi as an associate professor of music and director of the jazz studies program. He is the founder and leader of the USM Jazz Quintet and has performed with numerous artists and entertainers including The Phil Collins Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Steve Allen, Nelson Riddle, and Frank Sinatra Jr. His recordings include, Larry Panella: Under The Influence, the Collection Jazz Orchestra, The Ashley Alexander Big Band, “A Hot Night in Paris” by the Phil Collins Big Band, and two CD’s by Chris Cortez.

He earned his master of music from Northern Illinois University and his bachelor of music from the University of North Texas where he performed with the famed 1 O’Clock Jazz Lab Band. Prior to his appointment at Southern Miss, Mr. Panella served on the faculty at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and Northern Illinois University School of Music. Mr. Panella is an artist – clinician for Cannonball Musical Instruments.