POCATELLO — Jazz trumpeter Jeff Jarvis left Temple University in Philadelphia to tour with Gladys Knight and Van Morrison — today he is the director of Jazz Studies at California State University, Long Beach.

    Jarvis, a musician, composer and music publisher, conducted clinics at Stephens Performing Arts Center with 11 local high school bands Saturday. He then performed with the Idaho State University Jazz Band I Big Band during the 26th annual Jazz Fest celebration.

    Working with Philly International Records, Jarvis worked on more than 100 albums with celebrities like Lou Rawls, Melba Moore and the O’Jays. He even recorded an album with the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, then part of the Jackson 5.

    “That was right when they left Motown and Barry Gordy owned the name, “The Jackson 5,” so we had to call them the Jacksons,” Jarvis said.

    Jarvis’s live concert performances include jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Bellson and Doc Severinsen. After operating a studio in Denver for 10 years, Jarvis help to create Kendor Music Inc. in Buffalo New York where he served as an editor.

    “I was editing all these big name charts and learning to write music at the same time,” Jarvis said.

    Jarvis honed his talent as a writer and was the first educational music publisher to provide jazz charts written especially for students. He directs 10 clinics each year and has taught jazz workshops in Europe and Australia as well.

    “Kids are kids, it doesn’t matter what language they speak,” he said.

    As each band played jazz standards like “Route 66” and “When I Fall in Love,” Jarvis listened, watched and took notes. Following each performance, Jarvis offered a constructive critique of each group.

    ISU Director of Bands Patrick Brooks said Saturday’s event was an opportunity for local groups to work with an acclaimed jazz musician. Blackfoot High School’s jazz band was also selected to open the concert that night, Brooks, who is also the director of the ISU Jazz Band Big Band I, said.

    Along with Jazz Fest, ISU also hosts a marching band concert and clinic.

    Following his performance in Pocatello Saturday, Jarvis has appearances scheduled in Georgia and Florida before performing with the California All-State Jazz Band. He also plans to travel to Seattle with the CSU jazz band for a series of concert clinics.

    Jarvis said the genre has maintained its’ popularity among school and military bands.

    “Jazz is indigenous music,” he said.