Feb 27, 2014

The sounds of jazz improvisation will ring out of the College of the Mainland Fine Arts Building Recital Hall on March 4 at 8 p.m. Under the direction of Sparky Koerner, the COM Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo will perform popular hits at the spring concert, which is free and open to the public.  

“Each semester brings new musical challenges, and our new musicians are performing very well,” said Koerner. “These songs highlight their improvisational skills.”

A talented musician new to COM, pianist David Jarkey will perform solos on “You’d be So Nice To Come Home To” and “Mood Indigo” with the Jazz Ensemble, comprised of 18 musicians, and “Dindi” and “Never Be Another You” with the Jazz Combo.

Celebrating the season, the COM Jazz Ensemble will play “It Might As Well Be Spring,” featuring lead trumpeter Dean Artall and “Badgers Blues” with improvisations by Ed Hooven on the guitar, Charlie Delgado on the alto sax, Kim Chavez on the trumpet and Loren Gray on the tenor sax.

Continuing the exuberant theme, the classic “Up Jumped Spring,” made famous by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, will feature Koerner on the trumpet.

The College of the Mainland music program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in music or individuals who wish to improve their musical skills for personal satisfaction. COM music professors are active as performers, composers and clinicians and are involved in professional music organizations in the state and nation. Many COM graduates are instructors or performers in bands, in orchestras, in opera companies or on Broadway.

For more information call 409-933-8348 or visit www.com.edu/music.