The Keene State College Jazz Ensemble performed their annual concert in the Main Theatre, Wednesday, April 30.
Matthew Derouin, a first-year music student, mentioned his favorite chart from the first half of the show.
“Binky was really fun with all the fancy hoodads and electronic parts,” Derouin said.
Conductor of Jazz Ensemble and Lecturer Steve Cady said the students played well.
“It’s always a bit of an experiment, trying to figure out how to get the band to their best moment on that date. I think we did that this time,” said Cady. “One thing I try to do in the programming is to demonstrate all the styles a big band is capable of.”
Drummer Emma Toscano, a junior, talked about her experience rehearsing with Jazz Ensemble.
“I know I will always have Mondays and Wednesday nights to spend with my favorite people, have a really good time and play music that we love,” said Toscano.
Another junior, guitarist Julia Baer, said her favorite part of the ensemble is the community of people.
“It’s really tight-knit. There’s so many great people and being able to play jazz is so much fun,” said Baer.
Senior Chloe Roy said she came to the performance to see her boyfriend play guitar.
“I’m excited to see his solos but I also enjoy jazz music and watching all of the students come together, playing music that’s fun for them,” Roy said.
Roy brought along her friend Lissa Saunders, who is also a senior.
“I’ve always liked jazz, It’s a top five genre for me,” said Saunders.
“One thing that’s important to note about our band is that arrangers exist for all levels of big bands. You can buy elementary, middle school, high school, college and professional level big band charts; and most of our program is all professional charts,” said Cady.
Cady said he was really proud of the work that they did on the arrangement of The Beatles’ song, “Blackbird” and of the Steely Dan song, “Do It Again.”
Toscano reflected on her favorite piece from the concert.
“Even though it was the hardest for me I really liked ‘Do It Again’ because I like a challenge and the Steely Dan version a lot,” Toscano said.
Senior bass player Logan Phillips, reflected on his time in Jazz Ensemble over the last four years. “It’s a really amazing environment and community. We play a lot of great music but really Steve Cady, he’s a spectacular educator, person and musician.”
Cady said he hopes the ensemble’s graduates continue to get wonderful opportunities and take advantage of them.
Madelyn Marabella can be contacted at
mmarabella@kscequinox.com
