Lisa Hittle served as the Director of Jazz Programs at Wichita’s Friends University for 30 years, where she developed and led one of the most outstanding college jazz programs in the Midwest. She is also an accomplished jazz saxophonist, and an alumnus of the Stan Kenton Orchestra and a well-known local musician. She has a degree in Music Performance from Kansas State University, a degree in Music Education from Wichita State University, and a Master’s degree in Music Performance from Wichita State University. She has performed with artists such as Clark Terry, Bob Hope, The Four Freshmen, Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers and many others. She has brought an incredible array of jazz artists to Wichita, including The Count Basie Orchestra, The New York Voices, The Big Phat Band, The Four Freshmen, Monty Alexander, Matt Wilson, Cyrus Chestnut, Carmen Bradford and many others. 

Joining Friends University in 1989, Hittle mentored and educated hundreds of young aspiring jazz musicians (many of whom are also now Wichita favorites), stoking their appreciation and passion for jazz. Lisa was awarded the Wichita Art Council’s Art Educator of the Year in 2006, and the Homer Orborne Award for Outstanding Jazz Educator in 2012. Under Hittle’s direction, her groups were invited to perform at major jazz festivals in Italy and France, and was the only US group invited to perform at the 2013 Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba. Her groups have won many college jazz festivals and been selected thru taped auditions to perform four times at the prestigious Jazz Education International Conference, and 14 times at the Kansas Music Educators Conference. 

Now professor emeritus, Hittle has formed Lisa Hittle Jazz Plus, an entertainment resource for restaurants, venues and anyone planning a wedding, corporate event, celebration or private party in the Wichita area. Her current clients include The Hotel at Old Town, Larkspur Bar and Grille, The Brass Taproom at Side Pockets and Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro. She has also contracted musicians at the Orpheum Theater and for many corporate events, charity events, weddings and private parties throughout Wichita.  

Her diverse roster of talented musicians includes acoustic soloists and classical artists to jazz and rock & roll. Lisa prides herself on providing a professional music product, whether it be with her own jazz duo, trio or quartet, or with the many groups she works with. 

Whatever your event or venue, Lisa Hittle Jazz Plus is your connection!