Daddios Course Information

The De Anza “Daddios” Jazz Ensembles have established a reputation for being among the finest evening college rehearsal jazz bands in the Bay Area. These outstanding ensembles perform big band literature from all the periods of jazz and give frequent performances on campus and throughout the community.

The “Daddios” were first established in the 1960s by the late Dr. Herb Patnoe, founder of the instrumental music programs at Foothill and De Anza Colleges. With the “Daddios,” Patnoe created a haven where accomplished musicians could get together with their peers to rehearse challenging jazz music and perform it for a growing audience in the Bay area.

The “Daddios” draw their music from the large repertoire of works written for what is known as the “Big Band” idiom, an outgrowth of the large Swing bands of the 1930s and ‘40s. Rather than being geared toward dancers, the music of these groups has evolved into a style primarily intended for listening. Often referred to today as “Contemporary Big Band Jazz,” the genre has become one of America’s thriving art forms, with organized ensembles commonly found at the middle school, high school, college and university level. The "big band" genre has evolved as an idiom to where professional jazz ensembles, presenting subscription series at large concert halls, are beginning to become established throughout the country. Examples include the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, to name just a few. New music for these groups is being written by some of the world’s most talented and innovative composers and arrangers.

After a hiatus in the 1990s, De Anza College reassembled the “Daddios” in early 2001 under the direction of De Anza alumnus and former Los Angeles freelance musician Steve Tyler.  There are presently two “Daddio” big bands that rehearse on Wednesday evenings. The “Daddios” have made three appearances at the San Jose Jazz Festival and have performed with numerous well-known guest artists and clinicians, including Carl Allen, Gene Burkert, Jeff Clayton, Madeline Eastman, Warren Gale, Juliet Green, Bill Mays, Ed Neumeister, Tom Politzer, Marvin Stamm, Kristen Strom, Bill Watrous, John Worley and Pete Yellin. Their recently released CD recording, "Zip City," includes performances by both the "Six O'Clock" and the "Eight O'Clock" ensembles.

For a calendar of upcoming Daddios performances, click here.

For course and registration information, click here.