Dixie State University Jazz Ensemble to present first concert of the season

The Dixie State University Jazz Ensemble will open the 2018-19 season with solo performances and tight ensemble arrangements that center around 20th century jazz. The performance is set to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 in the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center Main Stage Theater on the Dixie State campus. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $1 for students, faculty and staff and are available at the DSU Ticket Office in the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center, online at tickets.dsutix.com or at the door. "Our jazz concerts are wonderful examples of ‘active learning. active life.’” Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Glenn Webb, who leads the innovative ensemble, said. “The group effort and individual accountability is very evident in a jazz concert. Students have worked hard to present this concert, and we wish to welcome everyone to it.” Students’ work will be on display as they perform compositions written by Webb to highlight the abilities of specific students as well as pieces from the libraries of Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and Frank Sinatra. The ensemble also will showcase “Feels So Good,” the chart-topping and Grammy-nominated instrumental composition by Chuck Mangione, and a unique adaptation of “Kiss” by Prince, who had a No. 1 hit with the song in 1986. For the last 12 years, Webb has directed DSU’s Jazz Ensemble, which is made up of students who study in all colleges on campus and audition for the band. The ensemble studies a collection of jazz styles and movements and performs what they have learned in a series of concerts throughout the school year. For example, last month Webb and the band performed at Heritage Elementary and taught the elementary students how studying and performing music uses the Leader in Me principles the school teaches. Dixie State University’s Music Department, an accredited member of the National Association of Schools and Music, offers students the opportunity to interact with others who have a passion for music, receive quality instruction from accomplished musicians and participate in numerous performance opportunities. To learn more, visit music.utahtech.edu.

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