Middle school, high school and junior college bands will once again gather for Friends University’s 29th year of the Jazz Festival. This year, the tradition will be carried on by Interim Program Director of Jazz and Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Nicholas Schroeder.
“Friends University has a rich history of exceptional musicianship which has always been on display during the annual jazz festival,” said Dr. Schroeder. “Normally we bring in internationally acclaimed jazz celebrities for this event, but we’re extremely proud of our own alumni! We want to showcase the vast number of talented professional musicians that have come out of this program.”
The festival will start with an evening concert on Feb. 18 that will feature the Concert Jazz Band with vocalists Tyruzaay Richards and Jyavon Hill. The guest artist group, led by Dr. Craig Curry, is Wichita’s premiere vocal jazz group, The Dreamliners. Comprised primarily of Jazz Vocal Ensemble alums, they represent well the rich tradition of jazz at Friends University.
The final day of the 29th Annual Friends Jazz festival will culminate with performances by Friends University jazz combos and our feature guest group, the Friends All-Star Jazz Sextet. Zach Rich, Jason Whitmore, Nathan Borton, Josh Davis, Miguel Santana Morales and Sam Hake have put together a great set. These fine musicians are returning to campus from Colorado, Michigan and Texas.
Additional daytime performances by Friends jazz groups will be offered both festival days.
As is the Jazz Festival tradition, the university will also be offering educational opportunities for groups where adjudicators will provide feedback and clinics with the band.
All activities Feb. 18-19 will take place at Friends University in the Riney Fine Arts Center – Sebits Auditorium.
For more information about educational opportunities or performances at the Jazz Festival, visit friends.edu/jazzfest.