Dreaming of sugar plum fairies yet? Dancing to your favorite holiday tunes? Some might think it’s too early, but the NIC Vocal and Jazz Ensemble were getting everyone in the spirit last week.
On Thursday night, many gathered at the Schuler Performing Arts Center In Boswell Hall for Fa la la la la and All That Jazz, an exciting welcome to the holidays right around the corner.
Max Mendez and the NIC Vocal Jazz opened the show with “Fly Me to the Moon”, a calm yet catchy tune sung by Frank Sinatra. “One of my dreams has been to spend Christmas in New York,” said Mendez, “Frank Sinatra really captures that spirit.”
After playing two more songs, Mendez took a moment to acknowledge his co-worker and friend, Terry Jones. Mendez thanked Jones for all his hard work and dedication he puts into his work every day. “I have had the pleasure of seeing the energy Terry has shared with his colleagues and students,” Mendez stated, “he is a pillar of this constitution and it’s time to give him recognition.” The audience applauded while Jones came on stage and waved.
The vocal ensemble went on to play and sing songs, each very mellow- except the last number.
“How Sweet It Is” was sung by the ensemble, and the atmosphere in the room shifted from quiet, to giddy and smiling. The tune was so upbeat, and fun, and the crowd really picked up when soloist Conner Ealy took the stage by storm. Man, can he hit those high notes. Ealy got himself a standing ovation and the performance left everyone excited for what was to come.
Next on stage was the NIC Jazz Ensemble with Terry Jones. The band opened with the beloved classic “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” Something about Christmas music and jazz seems to really capture the holiday spirit, as the crowd was smiling throughout.
The Jazz Ensemble does anything but leave you bored, putting twists on classics, and making them unique. “The Nutcracker Suite”, for example, had a shift in tempo throughout the song, and many individual solos were played by different members, taking your ears by surprise.
After the first few songs Jones spoke briefly about how proud he is of the growth he has seen within the ensemble through the years, thanking them for all their hard work and dedication. Jones isn’t the only one appreciative, Mia Kaiting, a guest in the crowd said “I’ve seen so much growth as a band, through all the years and all the new faces, they just keep getting better.” Kaiting first heard of the concerts from a friend and has been attending as many as she can over the years.
The ensemble was upbeat and filled with fun, the crowd applauded happily after each song. At the end of the night, everyone seemed pleased. Max and Terry organized great numbers, and their ensembles performed each one with a talent that blew many away. When asked what he thought of the show, NIC student Brian Dougherty said “They are all super talented. It’s amazing how easy it is to forget that when we walk around campus, we walk among such talent.”
Great job to everyone in the NIC Vocal and Jazz Ensembles. If you missed this show, make sure to save the date for the next. December 14 is the Sounds of Christmas, featuring the NIC Wind Symphony, Cardinal Chorale, Chamber Singers, and the Cardinal Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
