Wesleyan is a liberal arts college. Its emphasis is always going to be on seeking broad connections between highly specialized disciplines. Thus, I always have to be careful when describing “2 or 3 courses” as a " program ". African American music, of which jazz is certainly a variety, is an integral part of Wesleyan 's wide-ranging and well-regarded music program.
Within the department, I believe Professor Sorey would be in the direct line of succession of retired professor, Anthony Braxton, a previous MacArthur winner who was likewise difficult to pigeonhole, but who was certainly comfortable in the jazz idiom and indeed mentored more than his share of future jazz musicians during his tenure.