EIU Media Relations

EIU Jazz Ensemble to Feature Student Soloists

The Eastern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble will present a wide variety of jazz in its April 28 concert, which will feature many excellent student soloists.

The concert is to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Doudna Fine Arts Center's Theatre.

Among the selections are fresh arrangements of well-known standards including Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “One Note Samba,” as well as big band treatments of guitarist Pat Metheny’s “The Gathering Sky,” Chick Corea’s “La Fiesta” and Steely Dan’s “Black Friday.”

Other traditional and contemporary pieces for big band to be performed include the music of Bill Holman, Ernie Wilkins, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

The EIU Jazz Ensemble is directed by Sam Fagaly.

The group's most recent CD, “Three O’Clock Downbeat,” will be available for purchase at the concert.

The group has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Ensemble and Solo Performance citations at the Notre Dame and Elmhurst College jazz festivals, as well as Downbeat magazine's prestigious "DB" award.

The group has been featured at many conferences and festivals, including the Illinois Music Educators Association conference and the International Association for Jazz Educators convention.

Each year, the EIU Jazz Ensemble performs with special guest artists, which have included legendary figures including Mel Torme, Dizzy Gillespie, Diane Schuur and Joe Williams.

Admission will be $5 for the general public and $3 for senior citizens, EIU employees and students. Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office, by telephone at 217-581-3110, or online at www.eiu.edu/doudna.

This program is presented by the EIU music department in cooperation with the Doudna Fine Arts Center; both are divisions of EIU's College of Arts and Humanities.