Pitt State Jazz Ensemble plans three performances
What do you think?
The Pitt State Jazz Ensemble will perform three times this fall, including one solo concert, one gig, and one concert in tandem with some of the best high school jazz musicians in the region.
This mix of performance opportunities allows student musicians to stretch and at the same time provides listening opportunities for a range of audiences, says Director Todd Hastings.
The ensemble is comprised of majors from across campus who are chosen by audition. It focuses on big band repertoire, improvisation, and the study of both standard and contemporary jazz.
Oct. 21: The first concert is planned for 7 p.m. at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. It is free and open to the public.
The set list will include Off to Buffalo (Paul Baker), Standing Up in a Hammock (Bill Potts), Pretty Blue Eyes (Bill Holman), Cherry Juice (Thad Jones), Armando's Rhumba (Corea/Tomaro), Feather Report (Kris Berg), Count Bubba's Revenge (Gordon Goodwin) conducted by graduate student Chris Goddard, and Orange Colored Sky (Stein/DeLugg/Sims) featuring vocalist Gwendolyn Ouellette, a sophomore.
Nov. 10:
The band will perform a gig in U-Club at the Overman Student Center, aimed primarily at a campus audience, at 7 p.m. It will draw from the same set list and will give students experience in loading and unloading equipment and adjusting to a new playing environment, similar to what a professional jazz band would experience.
Nov. 18: The final performance of the semester, at 7 p.m. at the Bicknell Center, will also feature a performance by the KMEA High School District Honor Jazz Band, chosen by audition. They will rehearse that day with a visiting esteemed clinician who will conduct the band that evening.
Additional performance opportunities at public schools in the region are in the planning stages.
"We want to give our students as many chances to perform as possible, while also spreading awareness about jazz to younger students and the public," Hastings said.
Photo: Senior Louie Hurtado, Galena, plays the saxophone at a concert last spring at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.
