John Garvey (March 17, 1921[2] - July 18, 2006[3]) was an American musician, orchestra leader, and academic who played viola in the Walden String Quartet for 23 seasons, introduced a jazz curriculum at the University of Illinois, and created its Jazz Big Band which he led until his retirement from the university in 1991.
Inspired by a talk given by the violinist of the Chautauqua Trio, Garvey began studying violin at age 7.
[6] In 1948, Garvey joined the Walden String Quartet[6] in an until-then frequently changing viola chair.
[14]: 281 [17] Because of student interest in continuing the jazz band, Garvey sought funding from the School of Music, but faced strong opposition.
[18] Garvey and the band made their debut at a routine Thursday morning School of Music function on December 8, 1960.
[14]: 283 In April 1964, they entered the Collegiate Jazz Festival at Notre Dame University[19] for the first time and took the prize for Best Big Band.