Apr 21, 2016
The COM Jazz Ensemble

Celebrating International Jazz Day, the COM Jazz Ensemble and the Texas City High School Jazz Band will present a free, public concert April 30 at 6 p.m. Internationally known saxophonist Chris Vadala will be the guest artist at the sixth annual concert, held at the Texas City High School Auditorium, 1431 Ninth Ave. N.

The groups will play traditional and contemporary jazz selections. COM will perform Dizzy Gillespie’s “A Night in Tunisia,” Quincy Jones’ “Quintessence” and Oliver Nelson’s “Self-Help is Needed” while Texas City High School, directed by Casey Watson, will play Chick Corea’s “Spain,” Bob Mintzer’s “Computer” and the classic “My Funny Valentine.”

Vadala performed in all 50 states with the Chuck Mangione Quartet and has appeared in more than 100 recordings, as well as TV and film scores. He has conducted 49 All-State Jazz Ensembles and is director of jazz studies at the University of Maryland.

Partial sponsorship for this program has been made possible through grants from Conn-Selmer Inc., the Jazz Education Network and the Herb Albert Foundation.

Vadala will also present a clinic on jazz improvisation at 2 p.m. April 30 at Texas City High School open to the public.

For more information, contact Koerner at skoerner@com.edu or 409-933-8347.