MTSU School of Music presents Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz combo concert Nov. 18 at Hinton Hall

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s premiere big band, Jazz Ensemble I, will perform a program of classic and contemporary jazz on Nov. 18 in the Hinton Music Hall of the Wright Music Building on campus.

The free performance will begin at 8 p.m and will include a world premiere of MTSU’s Dr. Brian Mueller’s “Dedication,” which was arranged by graduate student Miles Damaso. Muller will be featured on marimba.

The concert will also feature a variety of arrangements showcasing the talents of student musicians from the university’s Jazz Studies program.

“Jazz Ensemble I is always one of our highlights of the year and this concert will give audiences the opportunity to hear our top students interpret big band jazz at the highest level,” said Jamey Simmons, director of Jazz Studies.

Jamey Simmons, MTSU Jazz Studies professor — Jamey Simmons

The performance will include jazz standards and modern compositions, with a focus on arrangements by celebrated composers and new works that reflect the evolving jazz tradition.

Highlights of the program include works by Duke Ellington, Joe Henderson and other iconic jazz standards. The concert will be opened by the jazz combo directed by Miguel Alvarado, instructor of jazz and saxophone at MTSU.

“We’ve selected a program that gives our students the chance to showcase their improvisational skills while also honoring the big band tradition,” explained Simmons. “This will be a great night for anyone who loves jazz or wants to see some of the finest up-and-coming jazz talent.”

For more information, email Jamey Simmons at James.Simmons@mtsu.edu, call 615-898-2724 or visit the events calendar link at mtsumusic.com.