Congo drums shine in Jazz ensemble performance
Elise Maloney
Issue date: 2/23/10 Section: Arts & Life
An intimate setting of about 75 people created the perfect setting for the Jazz Ensemble's performance.
Each piece featured an extensive demonstration of artistic ability from each member. Most pieces showcased at least one artist in a solo performance. Even the conga drums got their chance to shine. One thing that I noticed was that this group worked as a team and was aware that everyone deserved their chance to shine and make a difference.
For example, because of the way the setup was constructed, the drums and congas were behind the other instruments. So, when it was their turn to play a solo, the artists in the front stepped aside so the drums could be seen. What a sight it was to see music so wonderfully produced. Although the setting was casual and lighthearted, the performance was nothing short of amazing.
Growing in population, the Jazz Ensemble's performance featured music from a great composer, Thelonious Monk.
"This was part of Black History celebrations," said Robert Foster, director of the ensemble and a professor of music. "Monk was a great composer and pianist in jazz. A lot of his compositions are jazz standards."
Not only did this beautiful performance feature the music of such a great composer, but it also welcomed François Briére, who played with the ensemble on the harmonica.
Briére is a native of France who has played with the ensemble for several years. His superior talent was demonstrated as he took the stage for one number and blew everyone's minds with his superior talent.
However, Briere was not the only talent on the stage that evening. Although Foster said the skill level ranged from beginner to advanced, no one in the audience would have been able to tell the difference between the two groups.
The members of the ensemble include James Wilburn, Richard Smith, William Dukes, Eric Hardy, Anna Pyon, Caleb Wilkerson, Amit Gokhale, Seth Crew, Curtis Carver and JoBen Rivera-Thompson. The Jazz Ensemble played its way through seven upbeat numbers that had the audience dancing and clapping the entire time.
The Jazz Ensemble typically has three or four performances each semester. On April 15 they will host a benefit to help raise money for the Augusta State University Jazz Scholarship.
Other upcoming events for the Music Department include: Orchestra and Wind Ensemble on Thursday, Feb., 25; Chopin Student Piano Recital on Sunday, March 7 at 3p.m.; and the Opera Ensemble's "An Evening on Broadway," on Tuesday, March 9. All performances start at 7:30p.m. at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theater unless otherwise stated.
Each piece featured an extensive demonstration of artistic ability from each member. Most pieces showcased at least one artist in a solo performance. Even the conga drums got their chance to shine. One thing that I noticed was that this group worked as a team and was aware that everyone deserved their chance to shine and make a difference.
For example, because of the way the setup was constructed, the drums and congas were behind the other instruments. So, when it was their turn to play a solo, the artists in the front stepped aside so the drums could be seen. What a sight it was to see music so wonderfully produced. Although the setting was casual and lighthearted, the performance was nothing short of amazing.
Growing in population, the Jazz Ensemble's performance featured music from a great composer, Thelonious Monk.
"This was part of Black History celebrations," said Robert Foster, director of the ensemble and a professor of music. "Monk was a great composer and pianist in jazz. A lot of his compositions are jazz standards."
Not only did this beautiful performance feature the music of such a great composer, but it also welcomed François Briére, who played with the ensemble on the harmonica.
Briére is a native of France who has played with the ensemble for several years. His superior talent was demonstrated as he took the stage for one number and blew everyone's minds with his superior talent.
However, Briere was not the only talent on the stage that evening. Although Foster said the skill level ranged from beginner to advanced, no one in the audience would have been able to tell the difference between the two groups.
The members of the ensemble include James Wilburn, Richard Smith, William Dukes, Eric Hardy, Anna Pyon, Caleb Wilkerson, Amit Gokhale, Seth Crew, Curtis Carver and JoBen Rivera-Thompson. The Jazz Ensemble played its way through seven upbeat numbers that had the audience dancing and clapping the entire time.
The Jazz Ensemble typically has three or four performances each semester. On April 15 they will host a benefit to help raise money for the Augusta State University Jazz Scholarship.
Other upcoming events for the Music Department include: Orchestra and Wind Ensemble on Thursday, Feb., 25; Chopin Student Piano Recital on Sunday, March 7 at 3p.m.; and the Opera Ensemble's "An Evening on Broadway," on Tuesday, March 9. All performances start at 7:30p.m. at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theater unless otherwise stated.
Be the first to comment on this story