The University of Notre Dame jazz groups will perform in concert on Friday April 6 at 7 p.m. at Elizabeth H. Sutherland Elementary School, 10015 S. Leavitt St.
Jazz Band 1 is Notre Dame’s top performing jazz ensemble, consisting primarily of non-musical majors from all fields of study at the university. The group plays a variety of musical styles in the jazz idiom, including original arrangements from major jazz orchestras such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, and Clayton-Hamilton. The group plays four campus concerts each year and takes a spring concert tour of Chicago.
The university’s New Orleans Brass Band plays traditional and contemporary New Orleans music and features songs in the style of groups such as the Rebirth Brass Band, Youngblood Brass Band, and Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Traditional New Orleans brass bands combined European marching music with African rhythms and improvisation used in jazz music.
The Brass Band performs at a number of events, including concerts at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, informal performances at Legends and Reckers on campus and in off-campus venues. The group travels to Chicago every year with Notre Dame’s Jazz Band 1.
The jazz groups are under the direction of Larry Dwyer and Matt Merten. Dwyer was twice named Best Trombonist at the Collegiate Jazz Festival and is now in his 17th year as Director of Jazz Studies at Notre Dame. Merten founded the New Orleans Brass Brand of Notre Dame and is in his 13th year as conductor at Notre Dame.
Dwyer said, “Some jazz music is too complex and difficult for listeners. Our bands specialize in playing great music, which is a treat for audiences of all ages. You can stomp your foot, nod your head, and have fun listening.
The concert is open to the public.
For more information, call the Sutherland School office at (773) 535-2580.
