Jazz ensembles joining for concert

The CSC Jazz Ensembles concert will feature the music of the 17-piece CSC Jazz Band, under the direction of Dr. Michael Stephens, and the 12-member CSC Vocal Jazz Ensemble, led by Dr. Joel Schreuder.

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble, which features eight vocalists and four instrumentalists, will perform compositions from a variety of styles, including the traditional Count Basie tune “It’s Sandman” and “mash-up” of the music theater tune “Singing in the Rain” and the pop tune “Umbrella.”

The Jazz Band also will play the music of some of the most highly regarded performers in jazz history, including Basie, Duke Ellington and Thad Jones.

Stephens said a transcription from the 1940 version of the Ellington tune “Never No Lament” will feature alto saxophonist Alex Keller of Chadron, trombonist Nathan Snyder of Alliance, pianist Amy Graham of Valentine and trumpeter Jon Marquez of Alliance. “Some Like it Blues,” by Lennie Niehaus, is a Basie swing with solos by Graham and tenor saxophonist Katie Whalen of Aladdin, Wyo. Sophomore trombonist Zach Kirchmeyer of Redmond, Wash., will provide a solo performance of Frank Mantooth’s “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most.” Thad Jones’ “Greetings and Salutations” will feature percussion solos by Emily Lisko of Sturgis, S.D., and Austin Cecil of Rapid City, S.D.

The concert is open to the public free of charge.