Russell Gunn, Grammy Awards Nominee for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance and Jackson State University Alumnus conducted a three-day Professional Contemporary Jazz Education Seminar / Lecture Concert at Jackson State University on October 29 - 31, 2003. The three-day Professional Contemporary Jazz Education Seminar / Lecture Concert provided students and the general community an opportunity to learn professional concepts utilized in jazz performance, jazz rehearsal techniques, ensemble sectional concepts, applied instruction and music professionalism.

Russell Gunn also served as the Grand Marshal for the Jackson State University 2003 Homecoming Parade.

Five students, William Brown - trombone, Danyelle Kimp - trumpet, Ezra Brown - tenor saxophone, Lorenzo Gayden - trombone and Zachary Thompson - trumpet, from the Jackson State University Jazz Ensemble Program were selected to participate in the International Association of Jazz Education/ African American Jazz Caucus 2004 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All Star Jazz Ensemble. The HBCU All Star Jazz Ensemble will consist of twenty students, selected by audition, representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the United States. The All Star Jazz Ensemble will be featured in concert at the 31st Annual International Association For Jazz Education Conference on Saturday, January 24, 2004, 7:00 p.m. - 7:50 p.m. in the Sutton North / Beekman Ballroom, Hilton New York Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York City, New York. The HBCU All Star Jazz Ensemble will also perform at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York City, New York, on Sunday, January 25, 2004, 3:00 p.m. Congratulations !!!

The Jackson State University Saxophone Quartet performed two compositions on the Weekly Student Recital, December 4, 2004. The Quartet performed Miniature Jazz Suite #3 by Lennie Niehaus and ‘Round Midnight (Thelonious Monk), arranged by Jack Gale. The members of the Quartet are Lewis Sharpe - 1st alto and soprano saxophone, Lourdis Smith - 2nd alto saxophone, Reuben Williams - tenor saxophone and Albert Levy - baritone saxophone. The Quartet is coached by Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr.

The Jackson State University Jazz Ensemble Class I presented its Annual Winter Concert on Wednesday, November 19, 2003. The Concert was held in the University Park Auditorium, Jackson State University, at 7:30 p.m. The program featured big band charts by Andrew White, Frank Foster, Neal Finn, Russell Thomas, Dave Barduhn, Ryan Haines and Neal Hefti. The Concert featured music faculty members, Dowell Taylor - piano and Joe Ringold - drums. The Jazz Ensemble Class I is directed by Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr.