University Bands Spring Concert Showcased Variety of Music Genres

Students Demonstrated Range of Instrumental Precision

MEDIA CONTACT: Elijah Taylor, [email protected]

(BOWIE, Md.) - Music lovers were treated to sounds of African drums, a jazz composition by the great saxophonist John Coltrane, a medley of up-tempo marches and other songs at the University Bands Spring Concert held at the Dionne Warwick Theater last Wednesday evening.

BSU's Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Don Johns, began the evening by performing African Nuances and Release the Kraken which featured varying rhythms depicting an attack by a mythical sea creature allowing the students to exhibit their precision due to the variety of textures presented throughout the song. The Percussion Ensemble provided a perfect set-up for the Jazz Ensemble.

Under the direction of saxophonist Antonio Parker, the Jazz Ensemble provided the opportunity to feature many of the instrumentalists in the trumpet and saxophone sections performing short solos from the iconic Coltrane composition Resolution. The Ensemble also performed its rendition of the classic tune Autumn Leaves and one of Stevie Wonder's most adored songs Send Me Your Love featuring vocalist Zena Frazier who demonstrated her range and versatility.

The University Symphonic Band closed-out the evening and filled the theater with an encompassing sound that had everyone in attendance nodding their heads to the beats of the various compositions. Billy Bennett, director of University Bands and assistant director Michael A. Simmons Jr. each conducted three compositions. Joyce's 71stN.Y. Regimental March typified the energy that was exuded by the musicians and the conductors throughout the Band's performance with the audience showing appreciation with a rousing standing ovation.

"This year's University Bands Spring Concert was outstanding and epitomizes the growth BSU's Band has experienced under the leadership of Billy Bennett," said professor Tewodross Williams, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC). "A few days earlier the band marched in the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C. which points to the talent we are attracting to our program. I won't be surprised to see some of these students working as professional musicians in the next few years."

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