April 1, 2009

Purdue bands to explore jazz spectrum at 'Super Jazz Jam'

From standards plucked from Broadway musicals to tunes with Latin rhythms and contemporary works, the annual concert will feature a wide variety of music as well as put a spotlight on tunes by Don Ellis, a big band leader of the 1960s and '70s. Admission is free.

The Purdue Jazz Band and American Music Repertory Ensemble, directed by M.T. "Mo" Trout, and the Concert and Lab Jazz Bands, directed by Todd Ward, will perform.

Music will start before the concert begins, as 12 members of Trout's beginning jazz class will present a few songs in the lobby, giving them a chance to work on their improvisational skills. This preview will begin around 7:40 p.m.

Each of the sets performed during the concert by the four bands has been constructed to be a standalone program, offering the kind of variety and challenge a band would put into a competition set, Trout said.

One more jazz concert remains in the 2008-09 season. All the bands featured at the "Super Jazz Jam" can also be heard at Jazz on the Hill, an outdoor concert at Slayter Center slated for 2:30 p.m. April 26. For information on events sponsored by Purdue Bands & Orchestra, visit https://www.purdue.edu/bands

Writer: Christy Jones, 765-494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations director, 765-496-6785, kcmatter@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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