Oct. 31, 2012

Morningside College jazz ensembles to perform in Eppley Auditorium

The Morningside College Jazz Band and Eclectix Jazz Choir will present a program of jazz music at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in Eppley Auditorium, 3625 Garretson Ave. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Morningside’s Jazz Band is an academic ensemble that performs music composed in a variety of jazz styles. Its program will feature Morningside’s new applied trumpet instructor, Justin Kisor. Selections will include Bob Mintzer’s “Easy Groove,” Bob Lowden’s “Kinda Groovy,” Jeff Taylor’s “Why Not,” and “‘Nuff Said,” and Neal Hefti’s “Splanky.”

Eclectix Jazz Choir performs a mix of jazz, show and pop tunes, both a cappella and with a rhythm section. They have been featured in jazz festivals, radio broadcasts and local events throughout Siouxland. Selections for the Eclectix will include Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen’s “That Old Black Magic,” which will be performed in collaboration with the Jazz Band, Ysaye M. Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories,” and Sting’s “Voices Rising.”

Tony Hutchins serves as the director of instrumental jazz and applied low bass at Morningside. He has performed and presented master classes throughout the United States and around the world. Tim Watson is director of the choral activities at Morningside College, where he conducts the Morningside College Choir, Eclectix Jazz Choir and the Singing Men of Morningside. Watson’s choirs have toured throughout the United States and Europe.