Northwestern Jazz Band and Heritage Singers to present concert

The Northwestern College Jazz Band and Heritage Singers will present a concert on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

The Jazz Band will perform a variety of selections, beginning with “Hunting Wabbits,” a piece by Gordon Goodwin that will include solos by two students. “Rockman” by Jay Chattaway will also feature a student soloist. The 24-member ensemble will perform “A Salute to Glenn Miller II,” a set of big-band works including “A String of Pearls,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “American Patrol.”

Under the leadership of Northwestern sophomore Michael Hornback, a smaller jazz ensemble will also perform. The full Jazz Band will conclude its repertoire with Mark Taylor’s “Brass Machine”; “Grace,” a piece composed by Quincy Jones and Jeremy Lubbock; and “Superstition,” written by Stevie Wonder. The Jazz Band is directed by Dr. Angela Holt, director of instrumental studies and music education.

Under the direction of Dr. Thomas Holm, professor of music, the Heritage Singers will open with “Miniyama Nayo” by Paul John Rudoi, who describes the piece as “a full-fledged theme and variations on absolutely nothing.”

The 24-member choir will also perform a 20-minute baroque oratorio by Giacomo Carissimi. Titled “Historia di Jephte,” or “The Story of Jephte,” the composition is based on the story of Jephthah from the book of Judges in the Old Testament. The piece includes arrangements featuring the full chorus, solos, and harmonic and rhythmic nuance. Northwestern students will serve as soloists and narrators throughout the piece. Accompanying this work will be Dr. Daniel Huey, assistant professor of music, on portative organ and harpsichord, and Gary Vander Hart, classical guitar instructor at Northwestern, on cello.

Northwestern’s music department has a tradition of dynamic performances, outstanding faculty and standout educational experiences in an environment committed to glorifying God. Students can audition for one or more of 10 ensembles, having the opportunity to tour around the world and perform in NWC’s award-winning Christ Chapel.