By Matthew Jackson
The Sam Houston State University Department of Jazz Studies will present three of its jazz bands in a performance tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the SHSU Recital Hall.
The concert will feature the SHSU Jazz Ensemble, the SHSU Jazz Lab Band and the SHSU Fall 2009 Jazz Improvisation Class, all under the director of SHSU Director of Jazz Studies Dr. Aric Schneller.
Admission is $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and SHSU students.
The centerpiece of the performance will be a jazz fusion piece entitled “The First Circle,” composed by Pat Meheny and Lyle Mays. The jazz ensemble will perform “The First Circle,” which will feature a guest appearance by Dr. Trent Hanna on piano.
An acclaimed composer and pianist, Hanna is a former SHSU student, and received his bachelor’s degree in music theory, composition and piano performance from the SHSU department of music. His previous credits include a piano concerto that was debuted at SHSU in 2004.
Other highlights of the concert will include a performance of “Cherokee” by Ray Noble by the Jazz Improvisation Class, performances of pieces by Alan Baylock and Mike Steinel by the Jazz Lab Band and performances of pieces by John Coltrane and Paul Baker by the Jazz Ensemble. Christmas selections will also be performed.
