** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Jazz Ensemble Concert November 11

photo of trombone player

Edward Harrington
Sean Weaver/University Relations

 

Las Vegas, N.M. – The Highlands University Department of Music presents the university’s Jazz Ensemble in concert Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Kennedy Alumni Hall, 905 University Ave.

Ticket prices are $5. Highlands University students with valid IDs are free along with other students with IDs.

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

“Nearly all of the music in this year’s program comes from an enormous collection of music recently donated by retired Highlands’ music professor Ron Theilmann,” Harrington said. “Our playlist includes classic swing tunes like I’m Getting Sentimental Over You and It Don’t Mean a Thing. Latin jazz tunes include Girl From Ipanema and One Note Samba. Bluesy arrangements include C Jam Blues and Sugar Blues.”

Harrington said the newly donated music also includes popular music, with the Jazz Ensemble performing songs like Zoot Suit Riot, Mambo No. 5, and I Feel Good. The program also includes original arrangements by Zoernig, Harrington on bass, and Bruce Holmes, an alto saxophonist and Jazz Ensemble member from Las Vegas.

“Nita Lujan, a music production major, joins us again for her show-stopping vocal performances singing Crazy, A Whole New World, and Georgia. She also plays drums on select numbers,” Harrington said.

Other Highlands University students performing include guitarists Daniel Sharp and Kevin Baca, who will be featured in Bye Bye Blackbird. Tenor saxophonist Christopher Barela will improvise solos on Nica’s Dream and other pieces.

New to the Jazz Ensemble fall semester on cello is Geneva Potent. She also performs at lead trombone and improvises solos. Trumpet students Luisa Pacheco and Jamie García are also featured in several songs.

The percussion section includes music students Brandon Gourd-Gallegos, Ryan Bennett, Donaciano Vigil, and Sebastian Jaramillo.

Other Las Vegas community members performing in the Jazz Ensemble include Mark Gillingham on baritone saxophone and clarinet, Daniel Graham on tenor saxophone, and Steve Leger on trumpet. Leroy “Pato” Lucero has attended numerous rehearsals to help the percussionists with the wide variety of drumming styles in the program.

“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.