Campus ensembles to perform smooth jazz

By KIMBERLINA ROCHA

Students will have a chance to grab a latte and listen to the smooth sounds of jazz when Jazz Band A and Jazz Band B will perform at the campus Coffee House and Pub on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The jazz ensembles are warming up for their tour this week, culminating at the Reno Jazz Festival this weekend.

Michael Caldwell, director of the ensembles, said the bands usually play inside the concert hall in the music building. The change of venue is to provide a relaxing vibe for the performers, as well as the audience.

“It’s nice to perform in an environment that’s different and relaxing,” Caldwell said. “In an informal environment, you won’t feel as much pressure, and the results are excellent.”

The bands will perform a variety of jazz, from songs that are mellow to songs with a fast tempo.

The difference in musical styles is what makes jazz music distinct from other genres. While other music is planned out, jazz is built on improvisation, where the music is made up on what’s happening at the moment, Caldwell said.

“The music will be very interesting for the audience,” he said. “I can’t imagine anyone coming to the concert and not find it interesting.”

Student composer Josh Appleby wrote two of the songs the bands will perform. Appleby wrote the songs “Day Dream” and “The Revenge of Dot-Dot-Dot.”

Caldwell describes the songs as wild, unpredictable and inventive.

“These songs were written for our band specifically,” Caldwell said. “The way [Appleby] writes is so much different than other composers. It’s very unique and creative.”

The jazz bands have been a staple on the Fresno State campus for more than 40 years. The bands have performed throughout the United States and Europe. Caldwell has been the director for three years.

At the Reno Jazz Festival last year, Jazz Band A placed in the top 24 bands on the West Coast.

This year, the jazz bands are looking to accomplish the same feat.

In the mean time, pressure aside, Caldwell offers this piece of advice for band and audience members for Tuesday’s concert.

“Come in, relax and enjoy the music.”