Ensembles large and small gave concerts on Concordia's campus between Dec. 12 and 16.
Friday, Dec. 12, brought this year's Winter JazzFest in Weller auditorium. The Vocal Jazz Choir, directed by Dr. Kurt von Kampen, sang several pieces by vocal jazz arranger Gene Puerling, a Grammy Award-winner who passed away earlier this year. "The Shadow of Your Smile" and "Georgia on My Mind" were also part of the program. The Concordia Jazz Ensemble, directed by Andrew Schultz featured arrangements by Sammy Nestico, arranger for the Count Basie Orchestra.
The Concordia Handbell Choir and Handbell Choir II performed Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Recital Hall of the Music Center. Christmas favorites, including "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" as well as a piece originally performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra titled "Wizards in Winter," were part of the program.
"[The Wizards] piece has definitely challenged our group, but is by far their favorite this semester," said handbell director Jessica Kite. "The speed of the ringing they have to do is fun to watch and listen to."
The University-Community band performed on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in Weller auditorium. The program featured many Christmas songs, including a perennial audience favorite, "Sleigh Ride." The band, directed by Joshua Miesner, also performed "Flourish for Wind Band" by Ralph Vaughn Williams and several other pieces.