Jazz ensembles performing spring concert April 21

Jazz ensembles performing spring concert April 21

Northwest Missouri State University's Jazz Ensemble and Studio Jazz band will perform their final concert of the academic year, featuring a variety of pieces - including an arrangement of a popular Radiohead song.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Charles Johnson Theater in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building. The performance is free and open to the public

The Studio Jazz Ensemble will perform "Now's the Time" by Charlie Parker and arranged by Rick Stitzel, "Sticks" by Julian Adderly and arranged by Mike Kamuf, "Nzembo Na Mvula Zamba," a traditional Bambuti chant arranged by Fred Sturm, "Aim High" by Fred Sturm, "Small Wonders" by Rick Lawn and an arrangement of Radiohead's "Bodysnatchers" by Fred Sturm.

The Jazz Ensemble's program will feature "La Suerte de los Tontos" by Johnny Richards, "Tres Corazones" by Johnny Richards, "Blue Train" by John Coltrane and arranged by Kris Berg, "Slo-Funk" by Bob Mintzer, "The Doctor is Out" by Bob Curnow and "Emancipation Blues" by Oliver Nelson.

Northwest Professor of Music Dr. William Richardson conducts both ensembles, which have a total of 35 members.

"We have improvised solos, and students have worked really hard to develop those skills," Richardson said. "That's something that you don't see in a concert band or in the choir as much. Also, having a rhythm section that can set different grooves for the group, it makes for a really engaging evening of different styles of music. We play swing music, Latin music, funk, and really anything and everything in between."

The Jazz Ensemble is an audition-based group of musicians dedicated to performing a variety of jazz and commercial music. The ensemble annually sponsors the Northwest District Jazz Band performance and the Northwest Jazz Festival. It also hosts numerous guest artists.

The Studio Jazz Ensemble introduces its members to jazz style and improvisation. The group performs four concerts annually, and enrollment is open to students of all majors with no auditions necessary. Music education students who play secondary instruments or desire to enhance their skills are encouraged to participate.

To learn more about Northwest's musical ensembles and upcoming performances, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/finearts/music/ensembles/.