School of Dance, Music, and Theatre for a live instrumental concert featuring the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, October 30th at 8:00 p.m. in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
The Wind Ensemble and conductor Paul Cummings are still honing in on the exact repertoire for the concert at press time, but the audience can expect to hear classic band music featuring brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
The Jazz Orchestra will perform five pieces, starting off with Duke Ellington’s “In A Mellow Tone”, arranged by Oliver Nelson. Nelson arranged Ellington’s classic tune for the Buddy Rich band in the late 1960s and solos will feature Rebekka Lopez on alto sax, George Epperson on trombone, and Jeff Ruiz on trumpet.
The title of the next chart, “Déjà Vu”, refers both to the piece’s evocations of the big band era and how musical themes from early on come back later on. Composer Thomas Fredrickson was a long-time professor of composition at the University of Illinois who was comfortable in both the classical and jazz idioms. Featured soloists will be Professor Brian Post on piano, Chris Cox on trumpet, and Isaac Williams on tenor sax.
David Springfield is a trombonist and pianist who teaches at Valdosta State University in Georgia, and his chart “A Little Peace” combines the laid-back swing feel of the Count Basie Orchestra with the harmonic language of modal jazz.
“Palmas” is by the great salsa and Latin jazz pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri, who is an NEA Jazz Master, the highest honor any American jazz musician can receive. Like much of Palmieri’s work, it combines the rhythms and montunos of salsa with jazz improvisation. It will feature solos by Raili Makela on alto sax, Brian White on trombone, Max Shere on guitar, and Odalys Ramirez on congas.
“Who, Me?” comes from the classic Count Basie album Chairman of the Board and was composed by Basie band tenor saxophonist Frank Foster. Featured soloists will be Brian Post on piano and Chris Cox on trumpet.
Before purchasing tickets for this live event, please familiarize yourself with current campus COVID-19 guidelines, which are detailed on the ticketing link. Also note that because proof of vaccination is required for admission, children under 12 will not be admitted at this time. Advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended as only 70 seats will be sold, allowing for social distancing. $10 general, $5 child aged 12-18, FREE for HSU students with ID.
