Jazz ensemble brings swing, funk and Benny Carter for Nov. 30 concert

During its fall concert, the Eastern Mennonite University Jazz Ensemble will play swing, up-tempo funk, two Benny Carter pieces and more.

The 16-member ensemble under the direction of Robert Curry will take the stage in Lehman Auditorium at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 30. The concert is free and open to the public.

Of its members, four are music majors — but that hasn’t kept them all from enjoying “America’s only art form,” said Curry.

“It is a thrill to work with such willing performers who want to expand their knowledge and performing ability,” he said.

The concert  — featuring Brooke Bevington, a junior social work major from Grottoes, Virginia — will be the culmination of a busy semester. The ensemble performed for multiple campus and Homecoming and Family Weekend events.

The ensemble includes:

  • Joshua Ayers, from Lexington, Virginia
  • Kaleb Branner, Churchville, Virginia
  • Silas Clymer, Collinsville, Mississippi
  • Dijaun Gilbert, Rocky Mount, Virginia
  • Joseph Harder, Bridgewater, Virginia
  • Harrison Horst, Landisville, Pennsylvania
  • Gwen Mallow, Quicksburg, Virginia
  • Hannah Menefee, Stephens City, Virginia
  • Jonathan Nielsen, Bakersfield, California
  • Madalynn Payne, Mathias, West Virginia
  • Will Ragland, North Chesterfield, Virginia
  • Sarah Regan, Sugarcreek, Ohio
  • Sarah Ressler, Apple Creek, Ohio
  • Joshua Schlabach, Millersburg, Ohio
  • Andrew Troyer, Dalton, Ohio
  • Lucas Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia

EMU Centennial Christmas celebration offers concerts, ‘DoveTale’ play, and lessons and carols service