The jazz program at Missouri Western State University presents its Spring Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27 in the Potter Hall Theater. The concert will feature performances by the Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble, showcasing classic jazz literature as well as new contemporary literature by today’s leading writers.
The Jazz Lab Band will feature original compositions for big band, ranging in style from straight-ahead swing to up-beat Latin.
The Jazz Ensemble, will feature a wide variety of literature, ranging from classics from the Count Basie and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis libraries to newer contemporary literature by composers/arrangers such as Jim Snidero and Bob Mintzer. Soloists being featured with the Jazz Ensemble are senior music major Jermemy Gonterman on trumpet, senior music major Max Hudson on piano, and senior music major Caleb Fankhauser on drum set. These three senior members will be performing for the last time with the Jazz Ensemble.
Earlier this semester the Jazz Ensemble had the opportunity to back up New York alto saxophonist Jim Snidero, performing at the MWSU Jazz Festival. The band will perform an original of his, Us, Too, again on this concert, this time featuring Lincoln Williams on vibes and Bob Long on alto.
Both the Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble are under the direction of Bob Long, director of jazz studies.
For more information please call the Missouri Western Department of Music at 816-271-4420 or Long at 816-271-4430.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.