Test of the Best

They were chosen as the best by audition. Now three sets of HSU students have developed their own repertoire and learned by doing: playing jazz together in the rehearsal halls, under the watchful ear of visiting Assistant Professor of Music, Dan Aldag. On Friday night, October 27, they share their music with the public at the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus.

The three jazz combos are informally named for the day of the week they rehearse. The Monday Combo is playing all originals by members of the group—tunes by drummer Simon Lucas, saxophonist Matt Brogdon and guitarist Jesse Elias. Brad Moore plays bass.

The Wednesday Combo debuts their jazz arrangement of "Claire de Lune" by Claude Debussy, as well as originals by saxophonist Josh Nelson and pianist Aber Miller. The other players are Max Brunsfeld on guitar, Michael Dieter on bass and John Evans on drums.

Together with an original tune by drummer Jonathan Kipp, the Friday Combo plays two jazz classics: “Dolphin Dance” by Herbie Hancock, and “Footprints” by Wayne Shorter. Sky Miller is on tenor sax, Joel Bettencourt on piano and Michael Smith on bass.

“As a result of this process,” notes Aldag, “each combo has its own character and personality.”

Tickets for the Jazz Combos program are $6 general, $2 student/senior, HSU students free with ID, from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Produced by the HSU Department of Music: 826-3531.