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Jazz on the Lawn Previews ‘Spooktacular’
Published on October 18, 2024 - 11 a.m.
Southwestern Michigan College Jazz Ensemble’s “Jazz on the Lawn” outside the Dale A. Lyons Building previewed “Spooktacular.”
The fall band concert takes place Friday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus.
Enter, if you dare, to be treated to music ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Colgrass to pop icon Michael Jackson, whose “Thriller” closed Thursday’s sunny outdoor set.
Trick-or-treating will be available before and after the concert. Costumes are encouraged for all ages.
Alumni are invited to join as the concert featuring the Jazz Ensemble and the Symphonic Band closes with the SMC Alma Mater. This event is free and open to the public.
“We have a photo booth planned,” Director of Bands Mark Hollandsworth said. “We have a costume contest planned. We encourage folks who come out to dress in costume, and we will as well.”
Jazz Ensemble opened with the 1940s jazz standard “How High the Moon,” featuring trombonists Aliya Leavitt from Paw Paw and Sam Crago from Watervliet.
A Latin-seasoned standard, “Autumn Leaves,” spotlighted alto saxophonist Isaiah Morris from Elkhart and tenor saxophonist Joe Rizzo from Niles Brandywine.
Pianist Thelonious Monk’s 1943 “Round Midnight” also featured Leavitt, a second-year music major.
“Thriller” highlighted the saxophone section — Morris, Rizzo and Jasmin Garcia of Hartford on baritone.
Sitting in on trumpet from Western Michigan University was Eau Claire’s Connor Vance, an alumnus of Lakeshore High School who was the School of Arts and Sciences commencement speaker May 4.
SMC’s fall choir concert, “Song and Saga,” takes place at 7:30 on Saturday, Nov. 2, also in the theatre of the Lyons Building.
Journey through the ages to explore the shared spirit of storytelling that unites musical theatre, opera and the choral craft. The evening features solo, small and large ensembles.
For further information about upcoming band, choir, and theatre performances, visit swmich.edu/performances.