Maria Schneider (not the one in the above write-up)
is the composer, arranger, and conductor (leader)
of the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra.
She grew up in Windom, Minnesota and earned
a Bachelor of Music in theory and composition
from the University of Minnesota and a Master of
Music from Eastman School of Music in Rochester,
New York.
She cites Duke Ellington, George Russell,
Gil Evans, Thad Jones, and Bob Brookmeyer
as her influences.
Much of this information was gleaned from the
liner notes inside Evanescence.
The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra has 4 albums, all of which
are stellar.
Update 21 Oct 2002: This write-up is rather paltry by
today's standards. I'll work on filling it out soon
someday, I hope. Thank you for your extended patience.
See also http://www.mariaschneider.com.