Culver-Stockton College wind ensemble and jazz ensemble to present fall concert Friday

CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton wind ensemble and jazz ensemble will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, in the Alexander Campbell Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

The wind ensemble, under the direction of professor of music Trent Hollinger, opens the concert with Bernstein’s “Slava! A Political Overture.” Appropriate to this year, Slava is Bernstein’s intent to make light of a serious political atmosphere and includes “debates” between trumpet-trombone and soprano sax-electric guitar. The wind ensemble will feature adjunct professor of trombone, Martin Gelwasser, in a performance of Arthur Pryor’s “Blue Bells of Scotland.”

In a press release, Hollinger said, “It has been great to collaborate with Martin this fall as he has demonstrated his professional artistry to our students. This work really showcases the trombone’s full range with dazzling virtuosic elements, including rapid triple-tonguing, nimble scales and soaring high notes. Audience members will be entertained and amazed.”

Additional works include Julie Giroux’s “One Life Beautiful,” which offers a poignant, lyrical tribute that evokes deep emotional resonance, and Márquez’s “Danzón,” which pulses with vibrant rhythms and infectious energy, capturing the spirit of Latin dance.

This fall, the Culver-Stockton College jazz ensemble celebrates the timeless legacy of big band jazz by diving into the music of the iconic Count Basie Orchestra (CBO) and the legendary arranger/composer Sammy Nestico. William “Count” Basie formed his orchestra in 1935 in Kansas City and performed until Basie’s death in 1984. The CBO gave rise to the careers of jazz greats Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Thad Jones, Freddie Green, Snooky Young and Joe Williams. Their high energy, hard driving playing has become known as the quintessential swing style. Even today, the orchestra continues to perform, tour the world, and win Grammy awards under the direction of trumpeter Scotty Barnhart.

Sammy Nestico, born in Pittsburgh in 1924, brought his arranging genius from military bands to collaborations with Basie that earned multiple Grammys and elevated jazz education worldwide. 

Join the Culver-Stockton College Jazz Ensemble as they bring this vibrant legacy to life performing several works by Nestico.