Lee University’s Small Jazz Ensemble will perform on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center.
The performance will be split between two sections of the ensemble, with section one being led by Dr. Nathan Warner and Jim Ward.
Dr. Warner and Mr. Ward’s section is made up of nine students. Members include Nyreay Penn and Hannah Price on vocals, Tim Ferguson and Jalil Muhammad on saxophone, Nico Barboza on guitar, Daniel Dennis and Mathew Zalusky on piano, Japheth Varlack on bass, and Julian Daniel on drums.
Section one will present music by Kenny Kirkland, Jimmy McHugh, Bob Mintzer, Cole Porter, and James Williams, among others.
Section two is led by Dr. José Ruiz and Mr. Ward. According to Dr. Ruiz, the group will perform an array of musical styles such as bebop, blues, and Brazilian bossa nova, and will feature songs such as “Softly, as in the Morning Sunrise,” by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II. Dr. Ruiz and Mr. Ward’s ensemble will also perform pieces by Herbie Hancock and Charlie Parker.
Section two members include Matthew Blissenbach on bass; Marcus Burgos on drums; Sydney Devoe, Kirsten Tatum, and Mia Galavis on vocals; Joshua Gardner and Darius Hairston on guitars; Kailee Martin and Michelle Pranoto on piano; and Scott Schroeder on saxophone.
“This semester has been a tremendous joy witnessing the continual growth of students’ abilities as creative expressers of thought through the power of music,” said Dr. Ruiz. “The ensemble members have inspired me to bring 110 percent in my teaching at our rehearsals because they bring 110 percent every time.”
Admission to the concert is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Lee’s School of Music at 614-8240.