The Baker University Jazz Ensemble perform alongside a world-renowned clarinetist in its Guest Artist Jazz Concert on Nov. 19. Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and saxophonist, has performed all around the globe with countless artists, released over 50 solo albums and appeared in more than 400 albums of other artists, including Benny Goodman and Madonna.

Peplowski even caught the eye, or rather ear, of popular BBC director and producer Russell T. Davies, who stated in 2013 over a BBC radio station, “Ken Peplowski is arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.”

Director of Jazz Ensemble J.D. Parr first reached out to Peplowski last semester after reading an article about him in a clarinet magazine. It mentioned how open he was to working all kinds of events.

Parr was shocked when Peplowski accepted his invitation and is still in awe that he will have a chance to work with such a talented clarinetist.

“I’ve been excited since I emailed him last spring,” Parr said. “Anybody who is a jazz buff would know Ken Peplowski. He is one of the five greatest jazz clarinetists in the world.”

The Jazz Ensemble students are also excited for his arrival and for the time to work with him.

“Dr. Parr has spoken on the unrivaled status of Peplowski in the world of jazz woodwind players,” senior Collin Studer, a trombonist, said. “The enjoyment and energy of playing with a world-class musician, as well as the chance to learn from a high-caliber performer, will be a rewarding and enriching opportunity.”

According to his website’s bio, Peplowski has worked with music students of all ages in workshops, stating that his goal is to teach students how to teach themselves and how to highlight their strengths.

“Jazz is about individuality,” a quote from Peplowski’s bio states. “First you learn the rules, then you break them. I would like to think of myself as a lifelong student!”

Peplowski will arrive on campus on the Tuesday before the concert, allowing himself two days to rehearse with the band and work with individual Baker music students.

Peplowski will also stay the following day to act as an adjudicator for the 18th Annual Invitational Jazz Festival, alongside three Kansas City jazz musicians who will perform in the Thursday night concert with him.

The festival hosts 21 area high school jazz bands for a whole day, where they will learn, compete for awards and receive group ratings. One of the schools even gave up the chance to compete in the festival for the opportunity to collaborate with Peplowski.

Parr, who will be retiring this year, thought this concert will be a highlight for his last year.

“I’m mainly a clarinetist,” Parr said. “To have one of the world’s greatest clarinetists come to Baker in my last year would be so cool and appropriate.”

The Guest Artist Jazz Concert is free and will start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, in Rice Auditorium. The Jazz Festival, which is open to the public and operates all day, will be on Friday, Nov. 20, in Rice Auditorium.