The Longwood University Jazz Ensemble will be putting on a concert on October 14
from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Jarman Auditorium.
     The ensemble, directed by Dr. Charlie Kinzer, will be performing 9 pieces, including jazz
renditions of music such as the Longwood University Alma Mater, the Longwood fight song,
and several contemporary pieces, including “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns n’ Roses. The
ensemble, which consists of over 20 students both in and outside of the music program, has been
rehearsing for the concert since the beginning of the semester.
    Despite being a for credit course, the jazz ensemble is open to all musically-minded
students, not only music majors.
    Brian Hobbs, a fourth year music education major, describes his time in the jazz
ensemble band as “a very positive experience.” Hobbs is a trombonist and vocalist in the jazz
ensemble, and will be performing in the upcoming concert.
    “I want to be a music educator, so I feel like it’s my responsibility to engage with as
many different forms of music as I can. It’s another way for me to diversify,” said Hobbs about
his experience in the ensemble.
    Another member of the ensemble, Daniel Ellis, agreed.
    “As a music education major, the jazz band will advance my music capability and give
me a new type of music I can teach my students in the future,” said Ellis, who is a second year
trombone player in the ensemble.

     Other students are eager to attend the upcoming jazz ensemble concert, including McKenzie Rigney, a second year psychology major.
    “I can’t wait to support my friends in the ensemble band, they’ve been working super
hard on it and I know it’s going to be amazing,” Rigney comments.
    Several performers feel confident about the quality of the upcoming performance.
    When asked about his feelings on the upcoming performance, Brian Hobbs had this to
say: “I do feel prepared. I started with no jazz experience at all so I was definitely nervous. Now,
I think we’re really ready to show off.”
    Daniel Ellis had a similar opinion, saying that he “feels prepared for the concert”.
    The ensemble concert is open to anyone who wishes to attend and is on campus, within
walking distance.
    McKenzie Rigney stated that “the concert hasn’t been very well advertised, but once you
know about it it’s super accessible”.
    The ensemble concert scheduled for the 14th is one of several free concerts put on the
Longwood University music department throughout the semester. Another of these concerts
includes the department-wide recital being held in Molnar Recital Hall, also on the 14th. The
departmental concert is being held at 3:30 p.m.
    The Longwood University’s music department, hosted in the Cook-Cole College of Arts
& Sciences, prides itself on the great opportunities and traditions it provides, according to its
website. Under Department Chair Lisa B. Kinzer, the department has kept up with the
organization of 13 ensembles open to all students by way of audition.

     All 13 ensembles have concerts at different points throughout the semester.