Las Vegas, New Mexico – The Highlands University Department of Music presents the university’s Jazz Ensemble in concert Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University 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.
“This year we’re celebrating the holiday season early with the inclusion of several traditional Christmas songs arranged for jazz ensemble, including one by the great bebop jazzer Richie Cole,” Harrington said. “Titles for the concert include “El Rey Timbal” by Tito Puente, a “K.C. and the Sunshine Band” medley, “It’s A Wonderful World,” “The Heat’s On” by Count Basie, “Au Privave” by Charlie Parker, “‘Round Midnight” by Thelonius Monk, “A Call For All Demons” by Sun Ra, “Gary’s Waltz” by Gary McFarland, and “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie.”
Music majors who will perform saxophone solos include Martin Neddo-Roaque, Mighty Williams, and Ben Taylor. Also featured will be Johnray Tafoya and Andres Archuleta on trumpet, and Marion Carrillo on guitar.
Music majors who will perform on percussion include Donaciano Vigil, Rachael McCork, and Santana Martínez.
“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 the percussion students in the Jazz Ensemble will be featured in Latin Jazz arrangements of “Fatima” and “El Rey Timbal.”
Harrington said strong vocals from Highlands University music majors are also part of the Jazz Ensemble concert.
“We’re pleased to be featuring talented vocalists including Cierra Gomez singing “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” Beth Alderete on “Darn That Dream,” Oksana Herrera on “Why Don’t You Do Right,” Donaciano Vigil on “The Way You Look Tonight,” and Marion Carrillo singing “Leader of the Band,” Harrington said.
Harrington said Las Vegas community members are a vital part of the Jazz Ensemble.
The community members this semester include Mark Gillingham on baritone sax, Bruce Holmes on tenor sax, Beth Alderete on alto sax, Steve Leger and Jamie García on trumpet, Chris Barela on bass, Nicholas Montoya-Valdez on trombone, and Leroy “Pato” Lucero on percussion.
“Our community members provide positive musicianship examples and supportive mentorship to our students,” Harrington said.
General admission tickets for the Jazz Ensemble concert are $10. Highlands University and other students with valid IDs are free.