The Concordia Jazz Ensemble’s Fall Concert is set to hit the stage on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Borland-Manske Center Charlie and Ling Zhang Orchestra Hall. It is going to be an evening filled with dynamic performances and a variety of jazz styles, featuring the Concordia Jazz Combo and the Concordia Jazz Orchestra, led by Associate Professor and Director of Music Education, Christian Hauser and Adjunct Professor Len Montgomery. The ensembles will perform an eclectic range of pieces, each carefully selected and arranged to showcase the talents of Concordia’s jazz musicians.

Hauser, who directs the Jazz Combo, brings a unique educational approach to his group. “One of the things I really like doing with Jazz Combo is having the students become the arrangers,” said Hauser. “This approach allows students to take an active role in and ownership of the songs, through crafting everything from the structure, solos sections, dynamics and stylistic changes,” explained Hauser.

The concert will feature a wide range of musical styles and arrangements that highlight the students’ personal tastes and influences. Hauser encourages his musicians to bring their own preferences into the mix, resulting in a setlist that is diverse and deeply personal. “I asked them what interests you? And what song would you like to help lead and teach the group,” Hauser asked. One of these selections includes a jazz rendition of a classic song “Jambalaya on the Bayou" by country songwriter, Hank Williams. 

The song was selected by guitarist, Khang Cao, whose mother is a fan of the Carpenters – who performed the song in the ‘70s. This type of personalization allows the students to connect with the music and bring their own unique voices into the performance. Another one of the Jazz Combo’s pieces, “The Hills are Bare at Bethlehem,” was originally a folk song, but has been arranged with a jazzy flair for the concert. “The Hills are Bare at Bethlehem,” has also been recorded for the upcoming PBS special for this Christmas season.

Among the original works being performed is “Peppermint,” written by Ethanael Batiansila, a trumpet player and composition major at Concordia. This piece provides an opportunity for Batiansila to showcase his own compositional style and provides him with a self-contained ensemble to feature his creativity, Hauser shared. The concert will also include the piece, “Stormy Swing,” arranged by student jazz pianist Peter Rivette, further emphasizing the commitment to encouraging students to take ownership of the musical process.  

Montgomery, who directs the Concordia Jazz Orchestra, brings a similar student-centered approach by carefully crafting a program that plays to the strengths of his ensemble. “For me, it always starts with personnel,” Montgomery said, noting that he begins his planning by assessing the strengths of each section and soloist. This approach allows him to create a well-rounded concert experience, incorporating a variety of jazz styles with ballads, funk, Latin and swing. Montgomery emphasized, “This is a killer band…I think it’s the best band we’ve had.”

One of the highlights of the orchestra’s setlist is a heartfelt ballad performed by lead trumpet player Keith Ransons, titled “I Remember Clifford.” This piece serves as a tribute to jazz trumpeter Benny Golson. It holds additional significance as its composer passed away in September of this year, at age 95, making it a “double tribute” in Montgomery’s words.

The concert will close with another piece composed by Peter Rivette, a high-energy piece titled “Melodic Combat.” This piece, features “combating melodies,” and is an exciting and intricate composition that promises to leave a lasting impression on the audience. It’s a really “fun tune and great to play,” Montgomery said. Rivette’s composition exemplifies the high level of creativity and dedication that Concordia’s students bring to their music.

Montgomery wanted to praise the commitment of his students, who meet for only 75 minutes a week, yet spend additional time in sectionals to master challenging pieces. “Almost every week, the saxophones are working after rehearsal on their own, and the trombones … and the trumpets,” he said. “A shout out to the students,” Montgomery closes, highlighting the dedication that drives the musician’s performance quality. Beyond the music itself, Montgomery is hopeful that the audience will be moved by the unique energy of live jazz. 

Tags: Alexander Carr

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