Sassy, Jazzy EMU Ensemble to Perform

EMU Jazz performs at Homecoming 2005
EMU Jazz performs at Homecoming 2005
Photo by Jim Bishop

It’s a cool night of hot jazz.

EMU Jazz,” a big band ensemble at Eastern Mennonite University, will present a fall concert 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in Lehman Auditorium.

The 18-member group, directed by James W. (Jim) Warner, specializes in jazz arrangements of familiar hymns ranging from “Jesus Loves Me to “God of Grace and God of Glory” as well as ballads and swing tunes. Band members will do improvisation solos during most selections.

Jennifer A. Cooper, instructor in music at EMU, will be featured soloist on “The Last Tango” and “Love is Here to Stay.”

Warner, who became director of the EMU Jazz ensemble in January 2005, is retired after serving 26 years as director of bands at Harrisonburg High School and a total of 34 years as a high school teacher. He is a former member of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival orchestra.

Admission to the program is a suggested $5 donation for the EMU music student scholarship fund.