Las Vegas, N.M. — The New Mexico Highlands University Jazz Ensemble presents a concert Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and the Madrigal Choir presents a concert Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
Both Department of Music concerts will be in the university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium at 900 University Ave.
The Jazz Ensemble will perform pieces like Brass Machine, Eleanor Rigby, My Funny Valentine, Things Ain’t What They Used to Be, Joy Spring, and Bluesette.
Edward Harrington
Edward Harrington, music technology and education professor, directs the Jazz Ensemble.
All of the music students, as well as music faculty and community guest musicians, will perform jazz solos.
“The students are continually honing their ability to create music on the spot, and within the context of the harmonic framework provided by the rhythm section of piano, bass and drums,” Harrington said. “Improvisation is an essential part of jazz and I think the most enjoyable.”
Student musicians include Amor Romero on alto sax, Raul Castenedas on bass clarinet, Dennis Montaño and Luis Martínez on trumpet, Nicholas Montoya-Valdez on trombone,
Marcos Sedillo on euphonium, Daniel Sam on drums, and Brian Conklin and Quintin Leger on guitar.
Harrington performs on bass, with adjunct music faculty Kevin Zoernig on piano and Ralph Marquez on drums. Community guest musicians June Franklin performs on tenor sax and Bruce Holms is on alto sax.
Andre Garcia-Nuthmann
Andre Garcia-Nuthmann, director of Highlands University’s choral program, directs the Madrigal Choir. Music faculty Linda King is the piano accompanist for the concert.
The musical selections for the Madrigal Choir include Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass, Haydyn’s Te Deum, and Mozart’s Missa Brevis in F major.
Music student vocal soloists include soprano Nicole Robinson, alto Autumn Woods, tenors Michael Rascon and Joseph Rivera, and baritones Daniel Torres and Brandon Romero.
“In my estimation, this is the most challenging concert we’ve ever attempted for the Madrigal Choir,” Garcia-Nuthmann said. “The music is very beautiful and profound, and the students are doing a brilliant job. Linda King is masterful on piano with this difficult music.”
Tickets for both Department of Music concerts are $5. Highlands University students with valid IDs are free.