MURFREESBORO, Tenn.  — Middle Tennessee State University’s premier student big band, Jazz Ensemble I, will perform a program of classic band selections, along with funk, Latin and swing styles on Monday, Nov. 17.

The free concert begins at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Hinton Music Hall of the Wright Music Building at 1439 Faulkinberry Drive. A parking map is available at https://bit.ly/3IOkyuL.

The concert will also feature the saxophone section in a new version of the late jazz legend John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” by Jamey Simmons, director of Jazz Studies at MTSU.

The concert will also highlight the ensemble’s commitment to jazz tradition and innovation by performing works by other legendary artists such as Duke Ellington, Vince Mendoza, Mary Lou Williams and Harold Arlen.

“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 Simmons.

Composed of MTSU’s top jazz students, the ensemble has been active in the community this semester with performances across Murfreesboro.

Many members also recently took the stage at Rudy’s Jazz Room in Nashville during MTSU Night.

“The students have been playing at a very high level, and this concert will be a chance to experience the energy and creativity they bring to the stage,” Simmons added. “From classic swing charts to fresh contemporary arrangements, the program truly represents the vitality of jazz at MTSU.”

For more information, email James.Simmons@mtsu.edu or call 615-898-2724.

More Jazz Artist Series concerts

Mark your calendars for other concerts in the series this academic year, with the second MTSU Jazz Artist Series concert scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The third concert is part of the MTSU Illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival, set for March 28, 2026.

It includes a full day featuring performances of school ensembles and MTSU groups, jam sessions, educational sessions and the 5:30 p.m. headline concert featuring an international headliner with MTSU Jazz Ensemble 1.

Dedicated to the memory of tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet, the festival seeks to educate, inspire and entertain audiences in the Middle Tennessee area. For information, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/music/jazzfest.php.

For more information about the MTSU Jazz Artist Series, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/music/jazzseries.php.

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)