University of Virginia Library

Big Band Sounds Live Again

By Gray Stiff
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

The University of Virginia Jazz
Ensemble will present its premiere
concert tonight at 8:00 o'clock in
Old Cabell Hall Auditorium. This
performance will afford members
of the University community a
chance to hear some of the
compositions of such big-band
greats as Count Basic, Duke
Ellington, and Buddy Rich, as well
as the work of some of the more
modern exponents of ensemble jazz
music.

The Jazz Ensemble is largely the
creation of Bob Pickett, a first year
Engineering student, who, armed
with only five pieces of music
borrowed from his former high
school in McLean, Va., organized a
small group of Concert band
members last fall. From its
conception the band was plagued
with problems in finding a place to
rehearse and money with which to
purchase music. These were
remedied somewhat by funds from
the Student Activities Fee and from
the Music Department, which
allowed the band to expand its
library. After a campaign for
enlarged membership within the
entire University was conducted in
February, the Jazz Ensemble
became a large, fully-instrumented
group, and some highly satisfying
sounds finally began to emerge.

Tonight's concert will mark the
first of this type since 1963, that
year being the last time a student
jazz group was organized here.

Future plans for the group
include a brief concert tour of
Northern Virginia, culminating in a
joint concert with the
widely-acclaimed McLean High
School Stage Band under the
direction of Mr. Miller on May 14.
Tentative plans for next year
include both fall and winter
concerts and an extended tour of
the D.C. area, including an
appearance with the
All-Metropolitan Stage Band. Also
being contemplated are concerts at
neighboring colleges and high
schools.

The Jazz Ensemble is a student
run organization open to all those
interested in participating. Anyone
desiring further information should
contact either Bob Pickett or Joel
Fivas, or any of the members of the
group.

It is hoped that this initial
concert will be both recreational
and educational. For those who are
not familiar with the big band jazz
style, it should by noted that some
very contemporary sounds can be
produced from more traditional
sources. The concert will be
broadcast live on WTJU-FM
beginning at 8:00 o'clock.

There is no charge for
admission.