Collaborative jazz concert ushers in Spring at LMC
The joint will be jumpin' when the Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents Swingin' in the Spring at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. The concert will feature the LMC choirs and jazz band during a free public performance in the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre located on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Tickets are not required.
LMC Vocal Chamber, under the direction of Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge, will interpret a variety of jazz styles through the swing tune "Orange Colored Sky" arranged by Dave Barduhn, "A Quiet Place" by Ralph Carmichael from the jazz group Take 6, and a funky and driving arrangement of the Ray Charles classic "Hallelujah, I Love Him So."
Students in the Vocal Chamber include Wyatt Arms, Andy Beeson, Evan Cook, Miah Fannon, Connor Farr, Brandyn Gifford, Val Heppler, Alyssa Hyska, Danielle Jacobson, Andrew Lunn, Danny Mannel, Landon Mitchell, Elisa Sypian, Emma Stoppenbach, and Mel Weber.
Also directed by Derbas-Selvidge, the LMC Concert Choir will present several arrangements by Dr. Steve Zegree, including "Blue Skies" and "Route 66" along with "Like Someone in Love" by April Arabian Tini.
LMC Jazz Band, directed by Danny Lopez, will showcase the talents of graduating music students with a setlist of classic swing and Latin jazz pieces that capture the genre's diverse nature. Planned selections include "Spain" by Chick Corea, "Jumpin' at the Woodside" by Count Basie, "Trofeo de Bolos" by Craig Skeffington, and "It Don't Mean a Thing" by Duke Ellington.
The Jazz Band is comprised of students and community members. They include Tammy Crowner, alto saxophone; Rodger Payne, alto saxophone; Kendell Fowler, tenor saxophone; BethAnne Kunert, tenor saxophone; Gunter Ansinn, trombone; Brian Malone, trombone; Dan Ward, trombone; Joey Hayman, trumpet; Jim Marquess, trumpet; Dan McCaffrey, trumpet; Tristan Ficks, piano; Andy Lunn, guitar/bass; Nathan Dokter, guitar/bass; Jim Allen, percussion/drums.
About the ensembles
LMC Vocal Chamber is a dynamic student ensemble that performs frequently in concert each semester. Selections are drawn from the standard choral repertoire, including madrigals, motets, folk songs, spirituals, and jazz. Ensemble membership is comprised of LMC students by audition.
LMC Concert Choir is a mixed-voice choral ensemble comprised of LMC students and community members throughout Berrien County and beyond. The group performs regularly on the concert stage at the Mendel Center and throughout Southwest Michigan.
LMC Jazz Band focuses its repertoire on classical jazz styles, big band/swing era music, and the occasional rock arrangement.
For more information about the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department and performances, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/arts, email mmccaffrey@lakemichigancollege.edu, or call 269-927-8876.
