By Mika Sanders
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle
Tennessee State University performing arts students played two jazz ensembles
with a special guest at 7:30 p.m. April 15 in the Hinton Music Hall at the
Wright Music Building.
Dynamic jazz
drummer Duffy Jackson appeared as a guest performer to play alongside the
university jazz students during both ensembles for the night. With his smooth
style of playing, he complimented the rhythm of the other performers and their
instruments. Not only does he have musical talent, but a sense of humor as
well. Jackson offered his insight on the world of playing music and some very
funny jokes. He looked to the crowd and thanked them for “exuding impeccable
taste for music.”
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to come to MTSU to
discuss jazz and music,” said Jackson.
Ensemble I was directed by Assistant Professor
Jamey Simmons in the School of Music, who is also in charge of the program.
Ensemble I was comprised of the top, most experienced student players. Ensemble
II was directed by his colleague, the Associate Professor of Saxophone Don
Aliquo. These ensembles tour and perform throughout the region for yearly
performances.
The concert was a big success that
went over well with the audience and was awarded with a standing ovation. The
cost of the admission was $15 for the general public, and tickets could have
been purchased at the door. Admission was free for students, faculty and staff
members with valid IDs. Some of the music pieces that were played in the
recital were original works that were created by the students who were also
performing in the show, like “Horn Flakes” by MTSU student Jesus Santandreau.
The concert also included classic pieces of music, such as Benny Goodman and
Charlie Christian’s “Seven Come Eleven” and Sammy Nestico’s “How Sweet It Is”.
In Jazz
Ensemble I featured Jovan Quallo, Randy York, Jesus Santandreau, David
Williford, and Triston Gordan on saxophone. Matt France, Kyle Smiley, Nick
Haynes, and Katie Kelly played trumpet. Tanner Antonetti, Andrew Janes, Aaron
King, and Philip Jones played trombone. Lastly, Hana Fujisaki, Joel Gage,
Patterson Ford, and Tisha Simeral were in the rhythm section. Jazz Ensemble II
presented Rick Mraz, Marimac Dyer, James Finger, Ashlin Harris and Nelson Moore
on saxophone. Nick Haynes, Kevin Howard, Heath Lester, and Danny Ford played
trumpet. Grant Haag, Elizaberth Enck, Cody Mayberry, and Chad Ator played
trombone. Lastly, William Elmore, Jed Smith, and Nathan Deese played in the
rhythm section.
Simmons
said there will be another performance coming up very soon. The MTSU Jazz
Ensemble I will get to play at the
Main Street Jazz Festival at 1 p.m. May 4. Students perform at this event
annually with internationally acclaimed jazz artist. Past guests have included
Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, and Bobby Shew.
“And for that, we’re gonna play all students
arranged and written by students and faculty, so It will be a special program,”
Simmons said. It’s
important for students to come out to the event in order to support MTSU’s
rising stars in such an amazing opportunity.
For information about
MTSU’s jazz ensembles, please visit http://www.mtsu.edu/music/jazzpage.php. For more information
on this and about other MTSU School of Music events, call (615) 898-2493 or
visit www.mtsumusic.com and click on the "Concert Calendar" link.
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