By Alexandra Richardson
Staff Writer
Jason Kriaski, left, Melissa Hardman, Kaelin Large, and Joey Moore practice for the jazz band concert Nov. 27 in the W.D. Powell Theatre.
The Union University jazz band played to a packed house during its semi-annual concert Nov. 27 at the W.D. Powell Theater.
Conducted by Dr. David McClune, professor of music, the band performed “Tiger of San Pedro” by John La Barbera, “Los Gatos” by Jeff Jarvis and seven other pieces.
“My favorite piece was “Bei mir bist du schön,” said Nicholas Hancock, freshman secondary education major.
“I came to support my roommate Thani Magnuson, and I thought the band did great. I appreciate this kind of music,” he said.
The band had only practiced as a group one time in the three weeks leading up to the concert because of Thanksgiving break.
Rachel Frost, junior nursing major and alto saxophone player, is no stranger to practice.
“We only get together as a group with Dr. McClune and rehearse once a week so it is really up to ourselves to practice and do our best on our own,” Frost said.
Dr. McClune not only conducts the jazz band but also plays the baritone saxophone in the band.
“He’s a really good teacher,” Frost said. “He is very helpful and tries to talk to each of us on a one-on-one basis to see how we’re doing spiritually and emotionally.”
The concert included guest trombonist Dr. Bill Nettles, professor of physics and department chairman, as well as vocal soloist Melanie Arias and flautist Rachel Robbins.
Many of the band members’ friends and families attended the concert, including drummer Jason Kriaski’s father, to whom Kriaski dedicated a song.
