Hank Levy working with the 1976 jazz orchestra.
Former Towson University professor of music Hank Levy wrote the title track for the movie “Whiplash,” which won three Oscars Sunday evening.
“Whiplash” won in the categories of best supporting actor (JK Simmons), achievement in sound mixing and achievement in film editing. The film was also nominated for best picture and best adapted screenplay.
Levy, who passed away in 2001, founded Towson University’s jazz orchestra and directed the jazz studies program. He was also known for composing for big bands and writing odd-metered music to teach his students.
Read the story in the Baltimore Sun’s A&E section
The Hank Levy Legacy Band performs in concert on Sunday, April 26 at 5 p.m. in the Harold J. Kaplan Concert Hall (Center for the Arts Rm 3042).
Comprised of TU alumni and local jazz artists, the band will present a concert of Levy‘s compositions to benefit the visiting artists endowment in his name through the TU Foundation. Tickets will be $5 for students, $10 for seniors and $15 for the general public.
According to a story on WBAL’s website, Bernie Robier, the band’s general manager and bass trombonist, received a phone call over a year ago asking for permission to use Levy’s song “Whiplash” as the title song for a movie short to be shown at Sundance. The film won three British Academy Film Awards for best supporting actor (JK Simmons), best editing and best sound.
