2009 All-State Jazz Directors Dean Sorenson Dean Sorenson (3A/4A band) is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota as well as a prolific and highly sought-after composer, arranger, trombonist, educator, and clinician.  Mr. Sorenson is the co-author of the highly successful Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method, an innovative and comprehensive method book for young jazz ensembles.  He has also composed and arranged for numerous ensembles, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Band, and for brass ensembles Proteus 7 and the Chestnut Brass Company.  He is active as a commissioned composer and arranger for jazz ensemble, concert band, and chamber ensembles, and has also written several sacred choral pieces.  Mr. Sorenson is frequently featured at festivals and conventions around the country and abroad and maintains a full schedule of concert and recording dates as a Yamaha performing artist. Chris Merz Chris Merz (1A/2A band) is the Director of Jazz Studies at UNI.  He directs award winning UNI Jazz Band One, coordinates the combo program, and teaches applied saxophone and other jazz-related courses.  He has performed with Dave Brubeck, Rachabane, Winston Mankunku Ngosi, Hugh Masekela, and Joseph Shabalala, and Des Moines organist Sam Salamone.  He has played lead alto saxophone with several East Coast big bands, including the Cecil Bridgewater Big Band.  His own projects include the X-tet, a 12-piece big band, and Equilateral, a chordless quartet.  He has several compact discs to his credit and has received commissions from university and high school jazz ensembles throughout the country.  He is also a highly sought after guest soloist, clinician and conductor at university and high school jazz festivals nationwide.