Cal Poly’s University Jazz Bands will present the annual Winter Jazz Concert featuring the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Combos, and the University Jazz Band.
The Cal Poly Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Inga Swearingen, will perform Stevie Wonder’s well-known “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” as arranged by Matt Falker with Montuno/Tumbao rhythms typical in Latin dance music; an arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie’s “Birk’s Works” by Bill McIntosh, which has close harmonies and improvisational scat solos; and other tunes.
Cal Poly’s three jazz combos, directed by Dylan Johnson, will present a variety of jazz classics, student arrangements and contemporary songs adapted for small jazz ensemble. “Being a part of the combos allows me to develop my passion for playing music despite not being a music major or minor,” said drummer Jonny Ball, a senior English major from Penn Valley, California. “It’s a great way to gain professional music experience and have fun while doing it.”
The University Jazz Band, directed by Dave Becker, will conclude the concert with classic big band arrangements by Sammy Nestico, Don Menza, Lennie Niehaus and Gordon Goodwin, as well as new composers. “The jazz program at Cal Poly has been incredibly influential on my life,” said trombonist Matthew Borin, a senior music major from Roseville, California. “This program has helped my confidence as a musician, and the friends I’ve met here not only push me to be better but foster an environment for me to do so. I am constantly surrounded by incredibly talented musicians, and it is such a blessing to have been a part of this band over the last four years.”
