Today@Sam Article

Jazz Ensemble To Perform At House Of Blues

Jan. 28, 2016
SHSU Media Contact: Tammy Parrett

Jazz EnsembleSam Houston State University’s Jazz Ensemble will join legendary jazz trombonist Bill Watrous in a performance on Monday (Feb. 8) at 6 p.m. at the House of Blues in Houston.

The group, under the direction of Aric Schneller, associate professor of music and director of jazz studies at SHSU and guest emeritus conductor Rodney Cannon, will perform as a “send-off” before they play the opening, featured performance at the 2016 Texas Music Educators Association Music Convention, according to Schneller.

The program will feature a variety of jazz pieces, including Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love,” Hank Mobley’s “Funk In Deep Freeze,” Christine Jensen’s “Vernal Suite,” Watrous’s interpretation of “Never Let Me Go,” amongst others.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for our students to play in such a well-known, ‘big time’ venue,” Schneller said. “Not only do our students get the experience to play in such an intimate venue, but it’s also a unique experience as an audience member to be able to enjoy a meal while not sacrificing the jazz club environment.” 

Watrous is perhaps best known for his rendition of Sammy Nestico's arrangement of the Johnny Mandel ballad "A Time for Love," which he recorded on a 1993 album of the same name. A self-described "bop-oriented" player, he is well known among fellow trombonists as a master technician and for his mellifluous sound.

SHSU’s jazz ensemble is comprised of student musicians Ellie Parker, Brittany Doss, Christian Teague, James DeBose Jr., Austen Smith, Henry Espinoza, Luis Ayala, Chris Cermak, Lucas Silva, William Burson, Raphael Laran, Alex Anderson, Duane Charles, Joseph Halepeska, Steven Yost, Daniel Contreras, Conner Morgan, Victor Hernandez, Alexander Collins, Will Artiga, Chandler Long, and James Mosqueda. 

House of Blues is located at 1204 Caroline St. in Houston.

Admission is free, and the performance is open to the public. 

For more information, contact the School of Music at 936.294.1360.

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