A speech to the Trevian Association of Retired Personnel annual luncheon at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright Kenilworth Assembly Hall.

The presentation includes video and a live performance showing the influence of the New Trier West jazz studies and Recording Jazz Ensemble from 1974-78 on William Susman’s career and direction as a composer.

Also, discussed is the origins of the program founded in 1966 by Roger Mills at New Trier West in Northfield, Illinois and its continuation by Roger at the new campus in Winnetka, Illinois when the schools merged in 1982 as well as the large proportion of jazz ensemble members that have gone on to professional careers in music.