On Thursday, March 14, Longwood University’s Jazz Ensemble held a winter concert in Jarman Auditorium. Ensembles A and B performed, producing melodious tunes that radiated throughout the theatre. By the time the concert started at 7:30 p.m., Jarman was filled with people of all ages.
Director Andrew Brock, instructor of music, led Jazz Ensemble B through their playlist, which consisted of songs like “Doxy” by Sonny Rollins, “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente, and “Buffalo Head” by Bruce Pearson. There were various instruments that gave off ear-pleasing tunes in this ensemble, including saxophones, a trombone, trumpets and a rhythm section.
The saxophonists in the ensemble included: Aaron Brown, Matt Schlagel, Henry Kocevar, Micheal Norwood, Stephanie Baker and Keith Baldwin.
The rhythm section, which consisted of various instruments such as the piano, guitar, bass and drums , included: Eric Engel, Sean Flynn, Blake Cox and Charles Smith.
The trombone section consisted of Kathleen Shetley, and the trumpet section consisted of Kendall Kress, Abner Krouse and Craig Guthrie.
Jazz Ensemble A came on and played several different head- swaying songs. They performed songs such as “You’re Still a Young Man” by E. Castillo and “Angel Eyes” by Earl Brent & Matt Dennis, which were smooth ballads.
Ensemble A had guest performer Professor Chris Kjorness who played the bass. Kjorness teaches classes at Longwood, such as History of Rock and Music in the World, and he is into popular music styles in the Caribbean.
The smooth saxophonists in Ensemble Aincluded: David Lawson, Aaron Brown, Jay Coward, Miguel Gavilan and John Sibley.
The rhythm section included Ashley McGee, Jeff Everhart, Tom Mountcasel and Ross Kuehl.
Throughout the concert when a musician was featured, they would stand up. After they finished their solo, an array of applause came from the audience.
The vibrant playing trombone section included: Gregory Robey, Kristen Myers, Melodi Conner and Chuck Wongus. The rich sounding trumpet section included: Buster Brown, Tyler Gage, Melissa Michel and Sam Andrews. The song “Three and One” by Thad Jones was played by Ensemble A. “Three and One” is a song that is often called “organized chaos.”
Ensemble A played a jitterbug song by Duke Ellington. The director of Jazz Ensemble A, Charles Kinzer, associate professor of music and chair of the department, said, “I hope it makes your feet tap, and if you know the dance, do it.”
Then the concert was wrapped up with a last song called “Return of the Diver” by Matt Harris, which was a smooth jazz blues song.
It was announced at the end that on April 16, Jazz Ensembles A and B are performing for the Spring Concert alongside the Wind Symphony. The Spring Concert will also be in Jarman Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
