The KSC Jazz Ensemble performed a diverse selection of 12 musical arrangements featuring 20 student-musicians and included a tribute to former faculty member and Jazz Band Director Don Baldini, who retired from KSC in 2016 and died in March.
Professor and Jazz Ensemble Director Steve Cady, who performed under Baldini’s leadership as a student, said the second-to-last song, “Dreamville” by Henry Mancini, arranged by Frank Mantooth, was a fitting song to dedicate to the former director. The performance was held in the Main Theatre on Wednesday, April 24.
“Baldini had a history working with iconic musicians, and there’s a bit of connection there,” Cady said. “But mostly, it’s just a beautiful piece of music, and one I know Don would have approved of.”
First-year Hailey Taylor performed on the trombone and said the Jazz Ensemble is a fun and supportive group.
“I think the group I was performing with made it so easy to have fun and have a space to make music and forget about the other stressful things going on in life,” Taylor said. “I’m really proud of all of us, and how much we’ve all improved and grown together.”
First-year student and music enthusiast Andrew DeCarli attended the show, and said it was an enjoyable experience.
“I loved the entire show. Honestly, that was one of the clearest bassists I’ve ever heard,” DeCarli said, “Usually bassists are flushed out by the entire band, and I was blown away by how crisp it was. The drums, saxophone, all of it just was incredible.”
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
