At a news conference at Greystone Hall that featured a performance by the ensemble, the Mayor introduced Schantz--- director of Jazz Studies at the University and trumpeter in The University of Akron Faculty Jazz Ensemble. Other players include University faculty members Rock Wehrmann, keyboard; Timothy Powell, bass; and Mark Gonder, drums. (see: musician bios)

"Jazz is the American musical art form," said Plusquellic. "We know that the people of Saxony (the region around Chemnitz) will truly enjoy these talented musicians from our community."

University of Akron President Dr. Luis Proenza noted, "We are fortunate to boast a highly-regarded school of music and are pleased to collaborate with the cities of Akron and Chemnitz to showcase these wonderful jazz artists."

Plusquellic and Proenza were joined by representatives of Chemnitz Lord Mayor Dr. Peter Seifert.

"Chemnitz people love jazz," said Brigitte Taube, a representative of Lord Mayor Seifert’s office. "This is especially exciting for us to host friends from Akron at our Jazz Festival."

Taube further explained that thousands of people attend the festival over the first weekend of September. She said plans have also been made for the quartet to teach master lessons at the Chemnitz Music School, and to perform at jazz clubs in the Chemnitz region.

Also traveling with the quartet will be the founder of the University of Akron’s Jazz Studies program Roland Paolucci who will assist in the production of the shows. The City of Akron is also sending recreation specialist Sally Nyburg to accompany the group. Nyburg will be coordinating Akron’s 2005 Chriskindl Market with vendors from Chemnitz.

Plusquellic explained that the City of Akron will provide air transportation to Berlin. Chemnitz will provide ground transportation, hotel accommodations and meals for the group. The University of Akron will pay the salaries of the faculty members during their tour.

The ensemble will depart Cleveland Hopkins airport Thursday, September 1 and will arrive in Germany Friday, September 2. Their concert performances are Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4. They will return to Cleveland September 12.

Jack Schantz, Trumpet, Flugelhorn. Coordinator of Jazz Studies, the School of Music, the University of Akron. Musical Director, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. Schantz began playing trumpet in junior high school. His band director at Orrville High School was a former big band saxophonist who formed an excellent student jazz band which went to the Montreux Jazz Festival in France. After a year at Otterbein College, Schantz (in 1974) joined a big band called the Akron Jazz Workshop, led by Roland Paolucci. In 1980 Schantz was offered a job playing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and was also a member of the Glenn Miller ghost band, and also played with the Artie Shaw band and did a couple of hits with Woody Herman’s band." Schantz joined the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra in 1988 then led by his old college jazz band director. Schantz was named music director of the CJO in 1993. In 1995, Schantz was selected to play trumpet solos on Oscar Peterson’s Christmas compact disc, "I felt like I had won the lottery! It was one of the greatest things I have ever done. It was an absolute thrill!"

Mark Gonder, Drums. Drum Set Instructor, School of Music, the University of Akron. Mark began playing at nine years old and got his first real experience in 1973 with Roland Paolucci’s Akron Jazz Workshop. He attended the University of Akron from 1975 - 1978 and performed with the Jazz Ensemble. Mark did a world tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra 1979 - 1980 then moved to New York City 1980 - 1988 where he studied with Billy Hart, Kenwood Dennard and worked with trumpeter Doc Cheatham. Mark returned to Ohio in 1989 and became a member of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. Mark has recorded many CDs and commercials including Chip Stephens "Fields of My Youth" (AZICA) featuring Arturo Sandoval and 2002 Television Show - Drew Carey with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Mark was part-time Jazz Faculty 2000-2002 at Cuyahoga Community College and is currently part-time Jazz Faculty at the University of Akron.

Rock Wehrmann, Piano.Jazz Piano Instructor, School of Music, the University of Akron. Director, University of Akron Vocal Jazz Ensemble. In demand in the Midwest as an arranger, producer, soloist and accompanist. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra and performed at the presentation of the Pulitzer Prizes. His background includes a degree in pipe organ from Kent State University, the position of Artist-in-Residence for Moog Music, and appearances on recordings by prominent jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. His company, Sudden Realizations, produces music and sound design for films and broadcast.

Tim Powell, Bass. Bass Instructor, School of Music, the University of Akron. Director, University of Akron, Jazz Lab Band. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Tim has been an active Music Professional for over 20 years. Tim is currently a member of the American Federation of Musicians and performs throughout Northeastern Ohio. As a member of the Jazz Ensemble at Youngstown State University, Tim received the Outstanding Rhythm Section Player award at the Ohio Jazz Festival two consecutive years. Recent accomplishments include performing with such diverse performers as Harry Connick, Jr., Rosemary Clooney, the Moody Blues, Rod Stewart, and Yanni. Over the past 20 years Tim has performed in the orchestra pits of the largest venues in Northeast Ohio. He is the first call player for all Playhouse Square Centre Productions in Cleveland. Tim has performed and/or recorded with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Akron Symphony, the Youngstown Symphony, the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra (of which he is the Concert Manager), the Blossom Festival Band, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Since 1993 Tim has been an adjunct jazz faculty member at the University of Akron where he teaches electric & double bass, as well as directing both the Jazz Lab Band and the Afro-Cuban ensemble.