The Blue River Big Band

Big band music with personality.

Todd Ward—Director/Trumpet

Todd is a graduate of Ball State University where he was fortunate to perform in all manner of ensembles: The “Pride of Mid-America” Marching Band, Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintets, Trumpet Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Bands.  While playing in the Ball State Jazz Lab Ensemble he had the opportunity to work with such notable musicians as Wycliffe Gordon, Randy Brecker, Harold Jones, Joe LaBarbera, Denis DiBlasio, and Lanny Morgan.  This also includes a European Tour in 2001 to the Montreux, Vienne, and North Sea Jazz Festivals, and other performance venues throughout France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, The Netherlands, and The Hague.  The band also performed in the Mobile Jazz Festival in Mobile, Alabama, bringing home numerous awards.

Near the end of his time at Ball State, Todd began performing in the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra with performances to include their concert series at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and other venues throughout Indiana.  During this time he also played on their first CD project “The Test of Time”.

In the summer of 2003, he moved to Highland, IN as the Director of Bands at the School Town of Highland where he taught all levels of the band program there for 4 years before moving on to pursue graduate work at Purdue University.

Todd is currently working with the Purdue University Band Department as a Graduate Assistant- specifically assigned to the Jazz Studies office with Dr. Mo Trout.  He performs as lead trumpet in the Purdue Jazz Band and directs the Jazz Lab Band.  Now residing in Lafayette, IN, Todd has returned to the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra and also works as a private teacher and adjunct instructor for area band programs.  If he should happen to find a few moments of spare time Todd is a proud Chicago Bears fan and enjoys golfing, riding motorcycles, and spending time with friends.