Click here to stream this Mini-Concert.
William Ruff is a violist, violinist, and mandolinist based in Athens, Georgia. Focusing on the multi-genre capabilities of his instruments, he has performed with various jazz, bluegrass, rock, and funk ensembles throughout Georgia. Will is the mandolinist and manager of his main artistic project, The Family Recipe, which has performed at major venues such as the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club, the Masquerade, and Aisle 5. The ensemble recently released their debut album “Roads,” half of which was composed by Will. He is also a consistently gigging classical musician, performing at churches, weddings, and a variety of formal events throughout Georgia.
As a private music teacher, Will teaches over 20 students from various ages and musical backgrounds. He takes great interest in learning new pedagogical methods and strives to bring a variety of genre influences and unique technical approaches to help his students become the most well rounded musicians they can be.
Will is currently on a personal journey to expand the harmonic and melodic capabilities of the mandolin in jazz, and generally re-contextualize the instrument in modern music. To do so, he continues his jazz education privately with Atlanta-based guitarist Ben Weatherford.
Will graduated in the class of 2020 from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in music performance and a minor in jazz performance, Summa Cum Laude. His primary teachers were Professor Maggie Snyder and Dave D’Angelo. In his spare time, Will enjoys skateboarding, biking, and taking care of his plants and two cats, Rubin and Luna.
-
Jordi Lara is a cellist and electric bass player currently residing in Athens, GA where he is completing his undergraduate degree in Cello Performance with a jazz minor at the University of Georgia. While he primarily studies classical cello at the University of Georgia, his personal musical pursuits revolve around more contemporary styles and improvisation. Outside of his studies he teaches cello and electric bass lessons.