The Jazz Lab band concert took place in Dvorak Hall this Tuesday and was free to attend.

The concert was expected to be from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., but ended early around 8:40 p.m.

Many people attended the lab, filling up the concert hall. The audience consisted of students, family, friends, music lovers and more.

Emily Van Dyke, a third-year undecided student, attended the lab as a requirement for one of her classes. She explains that even though she had to attend, she really enjoyed the performance.

“I had to attend this concert because I needed the recital attendance,” Van Dyke stated. “But I actually really enjoyed the concert.”

The Jazz Lab band consists of 17 members, spread out in different sections such as saxophones, trumpets, trombones and the rhythm section.

Freshman Kyle Rennier, music education major, performed in the lab playing the alto sax. Rennier was very pleased with the outcome of the event.

“I think the lab went great,” Rennier stated. “It was a hit after hit.”

The lab featured music written by many composers, including Billy Byres, Lyle Mays, Frank Foster and more.

Rennier explained that he deeply loved all the music performed at the lab.

“I do not have a favorite piece, because I enjoyed them all,” Rennier said. “I think the director did wonderful picking the pieces.”

Rennier had a solo performance in the piece, Jive Samba, composed by Nat Adderley and arranged by Tim Clarke.

Van Dyke stated that the concert consisted of a great selection of music.

“There was a great stylistic contrast between all of the pieces,” she stated. “They were very balanced throughout the concert.”

Van Dyke also stated that a few specific pieces really stood out to her.

“I really liked the piece Zinger, as I liked the overall vibe” Van Dyke said. “The performers had a good dynamic contrast throughout the piece.”

Zinger was an upbeat piece, written by composer Dave Leech.

The band was directed by Paul Johnston, who brought a lot of energy to the concert, explaining the pieces as the performance went along.

The Jazz Lab band was joined by guest trumpeter Lennie Foy, former musical professor at DePaul University School of Music in Chicago, IL.

Foy grew up in North Carolina and has traveled and performed in venues all over the world. He is known for performing with a variety of celebrity artists and has also appeared in many professional ensembles, including engagements with the GRAMMY award-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Rennier stated that having Foy join the ensemble was a great experience.

“He is amazing,” Rennier stated. “He is a hilarious and wonderful person. He is also very fun to work with.”

Johnston and Foy had fun banter throughout the concert, talking about prior stories and making funny jokes with one another.

The audience loved and laughed at the dynamics between Foy and Johnston.

“They seemed very friendly and were funny,” Van Dyke said.

Both Foy and Johnston then played a piece together, with Foy on the piano.

The jazz lab ended with the ensemble performing the piece, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, composed by Lyle Mays.

Zackary Woodard can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].