2008 Woodie Awards
Former professor garners Grammy nomination
Demetrius Klyce
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Former UW-Whitewater jazz professor Steve Wiest was nominated for Best Instrumental Arrangement. Wiest wrote the single "Besame Mucho" for legendary trumpeter and bandleader Maynard Ferguson.
During his 17-year tenure (1990-2007) at the university, Wiest was the director of jazz studies and trombone.
He also directed at the UW-Whitewater Jazz Camp from 1990-2005 and published many pieces of music for jazz ensemble.
Wiest produced the award-winning jazz group the Jazz Synopsium. The group traveled on two successful tours in Europe, where he recorded two compact discs.
In addition, Wiest released his own solo album, "Excalibur: The Steve Wiest Big Band," in August 2006.
Wiest is currently teaching jazz composition and trombone at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.
Wiest said he appreciates the resiliency of the faculty and students.
"I admired the hard work and determination of the talented UW-Whitewater faculty, as well as the opportunity to work with wonderful students from all across the various disciplines in the Center of the Arts," Wiest said. "I also had the extraordinary support of Chancellors James [Connor] and Gaylon [Greenhill].
Overall, there were a lot of great folks in Whitewater."
People from the university were excited at the news of Wiest's Grammy nomination. Music Department Chair J. Michael Allsen expressed his happiness for the nomination.
"I'm thrilled for Steve [Wiest]," Allsen said. "I know this [nomination] was meaningful to Wiest. He was part of Maynard's band in the 1980s, and I know he considered Maynard as a mentor and friend."
After being informed he was nominated, Wiest said being a candidate for this award was a "dream come true."
"I said to myself, 'what an honor and thrill to be nominated,'" Wiest said. "This [Grammy] award is determined by one's peers, and therefore is even more special. I considered myself blessed indeed."
Wiest and his wife will attend the Grammy Awards to visit with the biggest music stars of today. Wiest is grateful for his recent accomplishment and nomination for an award.
"I am looking forward to doing some networking and star-gazing, as well as enjoying some great music," Wiest said.
"Whether I take home a Grammy or not, being able to go through life as a Grammy nominee is a big deal, and I am very thankful."
Wiest said he has learned a lot between being a professor at UW-Whitewater and now being at the Grammys.
"The experience was worthwhile and helped shape the person I am today," he said.
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The show will air 7 p.m. on CBS.
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