Jazz Band Concert

The Jazz Band and Jazz Combo performed December 7th at the Jones Theater Auditorium. The Jazz Band program consisted of a variety of jazz genres such as swing, funk, jazz rock, and samba. The program also included of a mix of jazz standards and Christmas jazz music. The Jazz Band consists of not only C of O students, but also brass faculty. Mr. Jay Parks, professor of low brass, played the trombone and Mr. Bob Smither, professor of high brass, played the  the trumpet. Mr. Parks and Mr. Smither, as well as woodwind professor, Mr. Bill Reder, were featured soloists.

Mr. Reder dazzled the audience with his improvisational solo rendition of "Joy to the World."

The students musicians also played solos in most pieces performed in the concert, which gave them an opportunity to practice their improvisational skills in front of a live audience. Because it was a convocation, the attendance filled the lower auditorium and some students had to sit in the balcony seating. Jordy Hake, who attended the event and recorded the performance, said, “I loved the high energy atmosphere. The Band was really able feed off the energy of the large crowd that came.” After the scheduled program, the band performed an encore swing tune called, “Go, Daddy-O.” During the solo sections, the students began to clap with the rhythm of swing music. The Jazz Band ended the piece and received a standing ovation from the audience.