The tone was set as soon as the audience walked through the doorway of Schular Performing Arts Center. The stage was full of instruments and microphones that were soon to be handled by their respected musicians.
The lights on the stage illuminated the walls with a mellow array of colors that set the tone for the night to come.
The mood was set and the audience prepared for a full night of jazz.
The Cardinal Vocal Jazz and Jazz Ensemble both played their last big performances for the semester in the concert that was called “J Mood.”
The Cardinal Vocal Jazz was led by Max Mendez who showcased the progress the choral performers had gained over the past year.
“They worked hard this year and made some really great music,” Mendez said.
The NIC Jazz Ensemble was again led by Terry Jones who highlighted the Jazz Ensembles’ unity over the past year. Jones recognized the magic that is creating music and that it is a wonder that his students get to be a part of every day.
“For those of you who haven’t been a part of a music group, you need to do so,” Jones said. “Nothing compares to making music with people.”
The two groups played pieces that had rollercoaster tempos and tones. Many of the songs contained solos that showed off the choral and ensembles vocal and instrumental talent.
“I Got Rhythm” by Rob McConnell had many tempo changes and the ensemble went through many twists and turns as members of the band played wild solos. Another song the ensemble played was “Georgia on my Mind” by Sammy Nestico. During the piece bari sax player Seth Marshalek performed a bone-chilling solo that was consistent throughout the whole song.
During the Cardinal Vocal Jazz’s performance, songs like “Moondance” by Van Morrison and “No More Blues (Chega de Suadade)” by Antonio Carlos Jobim contained traditional jazz vocal solos in which the musicians sang “do’s” and “dah’s” as if they were performing notes on an instrument.
Members of the group played off one another’s talents, creating an atmosphere of fun and confidence.
Terry Jones said that the group had grown much over the year.
Even the rhythm section was affected by the groups new sense of unity.
“When it comes to performing I am more confident because I can rely on them,” Adrian DeVries, 18, music.
The two bands had practiced songs for “J Mood” for a couple months now, letting the musicians perfect their parts and better understand the feeling of the music.
The concert surely had a tone that left the audience in the mood to tap their toes and snap their fingers.
