The University of Central Arkansas Department of Music will host its first jazz ensemble concert of the spring semester on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall.
The 7:30 p.m. event is free and open to the public.
The concert will feature both Jazz Ensemble I and II bands and will feature music from the Big Band era. Some newer, more contemporary pieces will also be performed during the concert. Selections from artists such as Duke Ellington will be played by both bands.
Jazz Ensemble I and II students auditioned for the concert and will be playing in their first public performance of the semester. Conductor and Associate Professor of Music Larry Jones said he wanted to see how well the students can adapt to new music in a short period of time before they must play it publically.
“I want the students to learn a good deal,” Jones said. “I want to put a little pressure on them to learn the music for a first concert and to get used to learning music at a quick pace. I think they’ll do very well.”
Jones says that his students are sure to keep the crown entertained while learning more about their playing skills simultaneously. As the semester continues, the Jazz Ensemble I and II groups will increase their playing repertoire and will continue to play selections from the jazz genre.
“I think it’s pretty important for my students to know the history of the music that they are playing,” Jones said. “This will expose students to other very important styles of music.”
Jones said he believed the audience would enjoy the concert because the selected pieces are some that all people can relate to. He expects a large crowd for the semester opener and guarantees that the concert will be one not to miss.
“We always have a pretty good turnout,” Jones said. “It wouldn’t surprise me to see a couple hundred people there.”
For more information, contact Jones at (501) 450-5018 or rljones@uca.edu.
