Concordia's Jazz Ensemble and the Vocal Jazz Choir have embarked on a regional tour in Nebraska and Missouri that lasts through May 16. They will perform at six school assemblies and hold a concert at The Sheldon in St. Louis, Mo. The 20-member Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of Andrew Schultz, assistant professor of music, and will treat the audience to familiar and new tunes including "Take the 'A' Train" and "Come Fly With Me."
"We are excited to bring our ensembles directly into high schools and share with them our excitement and enthusiasm for studying music at Concordia," said Schultz. "Jazz was born out of the American experience, and I believe that as students study jazz they gain an insight into American life and culture."
The Vocal Jazz Choir has 16 members and is under the direction of Dr. Kurt von Kampen, associate professor of music. The group will perform pieces by jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Kurt Weill and Manning Sherwin.
"Besides the joy of taking our music to people, the chance to repeat performances on tour is a great educational tool for our students," said von Kampen. "They gain a deeper understanding of what is at the heart of this music, and they love sharing with audiences."
The two groups will join forces for a few selections as well.
The highlight of the tour will be a performance in the acoustically perfect concert hall at The Sheldon in St. Louis on Tuesday, May 13. The concert is part of The Sheldon's "Notes from Home" concert series.
"Any time you get to perform on the same stage as some of the greatest professionals in the business that is a great thing," said von Kampen. "The Sheldon has a rich history of featuring the world's finest musicians in all musical styles and has a special place in the heart of St. Louis residents."
Tickets for The Sheldon concert will be available at the door. Tickets are $25 for VIP seating with hors d'oeuvres and cocktail reception following the concert, $10 for adults, $6 for ages five through college students and free for those four and under.
Tour itinerary
Monday, May 12
Concordia Junior and Senior High School
15656 Fort St.
Omaha, Neb.
2:15 p.m. (assembly)
Tuesday, May 13
Lutheran High School of St. Charles County
5100 Mexico Rd.
Saint Peters, Mo.
9:15 a.m. (assembly)
The Sheldon
3648 Washington Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo.
7 p.m. (concert)
Wednesday, May 14
Trinity Lutheran School
812 Stadium Blvd.
Jefferson City, Mo.
10 a.m. (assembly)
Saint Paul Lutheran High School
205 S. Main St.
Concordia, Mo.
3 p.m. (assembly)
Thursday, May 15
Lutheran High School of Kansas City
12411 Wornall Rd.
Kansas City, Mo.
10 a.m. (assembly)
Friday, May 16
Heartland Lutheran High School
3900 W. Husker Hwy.
Grand Island, Neb.
9:30 a.m. (assembly)
Lincoln Lutheran Middle/High School
1100 N. 56th St.
Lincoln, Neb.
2:45 p.m. (assembly)