** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Jazz Ensemble Concert April 20

Las Vegas, N.M. – The Highlands University Department of Music presents the university’s Jazz Ensemble in concert April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Theater, 800 National Ave.

Highlands University music professor Edward Harrington directs the Jazz Ensemble and plays bass and trombone for the ensemble. Music faculty member Kevin Zoernig is the pianist and co-director for the concert.

“Our playlist includes a wide variety of jazz standards such as “In a Sentimental Mood,” “Oye Comova,” and “Watermelon Man,” Harrington said. “The program also showcases fusion jazz, a blend of jazz and rock, in pieces like “Midwestern Night’s Dream” and “Spinning Wheel.”

Highlands University music students featured in the Jazz Ensemble include Christopher Barela and Ty Thomson on tenor saxophone; Mighty Williams, Beth Alderete, and Danielle Cartee on alto saxophone; and Jamie García and Luisa Pacheco on trumpet.

“All of these outstanding musicians will perform solos over the course of the evening and will demonstrate their facility with their instrument. I’m very proud of all of them,” Harrington said.

Harrington said strong vocals are also part of the Jazz Ensemble concert.

“We’re pleased to be featuring some talented Highlands music major vocalists including Cierra Gomez, Dona Ciano Vigil, Jaylene García, and Elena Chavez,” Harrington said.

He said another highlight for the concert be will when Zoernig performs some of his original compositions on piano with the Jazz Ensemble.

Las Vegas community members performing with the Jazz Ensemble include Bruce Holmes and Mark Gillingham on baritone saxophone; Steve Leger on trumpet; and Bob Henssler on alto saxophone.

“The Department of Music is very grateful for the valuable contributions these community members make to the students and the quality of our concerts,” Harrington said.

General admission tickets for the Jazz Ensemble concert are $10. Highlands University and other students with valid IDs are free.