University of Virginia Library

Jazz Ensemble Debuts

The University of Virginia
Jazz Ensemble will present its
premier concert of the year
Friday night at 8 o'clock in
Old Cabell Hall Auditorium.

The emphasis of Friday
night's concert will be on the
music of contemporary
beg-band jazz artists, with
several arrangements of the
Buddy Rich Band and the
Thad Jones—Mel Lewis
Orchestra highlighting the
program. The Buddy Rich
organization is best known for
its work within the big band
Rock idiom, whereas the
Jones-Lewis group,
synthesizing all the elements in
jazz music, is known as the
"screamingest" group around
today. Also planned are
selections originally promoted
by such greats as Duke
Ellington and Count Basic.

The Jazz Ensemble is the
brain child of Bob Pickett, a
second-year Engineering
student (and very competent
jazz drummer) who organized
the group last spring.
Following a successful concert
in May, the band embarked on
a brief tour of the D.C. area.
Plans for this year include
additional concerts at the
University and visits to several
neighboring institutions, as
well as competition in
intercollegiate jazz festivals.

The Ensemble is an entirely
student-run organization, and
membership is open to any
member of the University
community. Frustrated jazz
musicians interested in
participating are urged to
attend Friday's concert, or to
contact Director Joel Fivas.

There is no charge for
admission.