Jazz Band has plans
Georgia College & State University’s esteemed Jazz Band has big plans for this year, including feature musicians, a new CD and even a multimedia presentation along with the concert.
This fall, Band Director Dr. Todd Shiver plans on including music from the Ken Burns documentary on jazz which aired on PBS. Shiver intends to cover every aspect of jazz’s rich history, from the early years to contemporary pieces.
“Everything from `Dixie land’ to `cool jazz.’” said Shiver, with a grin. “I hope they will go to it and be proud that their university has a skilled jazz band, similar to the pride often associated with a good football team.”
The titles on which the Jazz Band is working for this year come from a wide range of different areas. Some examples include `Salt Peanuts,’ which is a be-bop piece from Gillepsie, `Take Five,’ and even a Glenn Miller tribute number.
The new CD will feature music from last year, all recorded in Russell Auditorium. The anticipated release will include 13 songs, representing a variety of swing and contemporary arrangements. On one of the songs,
accomplished saxophonist Ron Carter makes a guest appearance and plays with the band. A couple of the songs include a male student vocalist, and on one of the tracks, he sings and also plays a trumpet solo.
“It hurt to see him graduate,” said Shiver.
The University Jazz Band has a few feature artists in store for its fans. In fact, two faculty members here at GC&SU will highlight the show with their talents. Dr. Ross Feller will play saxophone, and Dr. Wendy Mullen is scheduled to sing for one of the songs to be played.
This season’s talented players include Matt Davis, Corey Ellis, Terrel Weatherford, April Frlton and Leah Ahlstrom on saxophones. On trumpets, we have Samuel Rowe, Tim Pietrofere, Steven Sweat and Adam Van Den Avyle. On trombones: Tim Moyer, Lori Johnson, Corey Tanner and Carly Thompson. In the rhythm section, there is Marshall Coats on bass, Jon Joiner on drums, Lisa Pepple playing piano and Brad Weaver on guitar.
Shiver commented on how he would like GC&SU students to react to the concert.
“I hope that students leave the fall concert realizing how jazz is connected to our heritage,” said Shiver. “It’s an original American art form.”
The fall concert will take place on November 29 and 30 in Russell Auditorium at 8 p.m. on both nights. The cost is $2 for students with ID, and $4 for the general public.
Shiver said, “If they just come and enjoy it. . . fine, but if they get something more out of it, that would be nice too.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 28 2001. Filed under Features.
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