The Shippensburg University Jazz Ensemble took the stage Monday night at Luhrs Performing Arts Center for its spring concert. Director Dr. Trever Famulare led the group through nine numbers spotlighting student soloists, section features and vocal performances.

Dr. Famulare, who also chairs the university's music and theatre arts department, set the tone before the first note was played.

"Feel free to clap before, during or after [a solo], but please do, because they deserve the recognition," he told the crowd.

And recognition was well-earned. Throughout the evening, students stepped forward for solos, section features and vocal performances, backed by an ensemble that shifted smoothly between supporting its bandmates and driving the music forward together.

Vocalist Gia Altieri delivered one of the night's most engaging moments with her performance of "Blue Skies," snapping immediately into the rhythm and moving with the music as she sang. Later in the set, vocalist Kira Shirk brought a warm, understated quality to "Don't Know Why," her voice blending seamlessly with the ensemble behind her.

A highlight of the second half came when Famulare brought the band back from intermission with a blues exercise the ensemble uses to open every rehearsal, affectionally nicknamed “Track #5.” Students had the opportunity to showcase their improvisational talents. Trey Gower on trombone, Kyle Force on alto saxophone and JJ Miller on trumpet each took a solo before Stephen Sungenis on bass trombone closed out the piece with the full band joining in behind him.

Famulare said putting students on the spot is intentional, and the lessons extend beyond the stage.

"Since most everyone has a fear of improv, we simply start as basic as possible and work to make the player as comfortable as possible," he said. "Then, as they begin to understand the process, work to expand their ideas and creativity through the art of improvisation. Like anything else, improvisation must be practiced repeatedly."

Force also stood out during an earlier number, continuing his saxophone solo as the trombone section gradually built up around him, the two voices weaving together before the full band came in.

The concert closed with "Bone Collection," chosen specifically to give the trombone section a final collective spotlight before the night ended.

Famulare said the jazz ensemble, one of several smaller groups within the broader SU band program, is built to expose students to the full spectrum of jazz styles. Auditions in late November help shape each year's group and determine who is ready to take on featured roles.

"Selecting diverse styles of music with or without features allows for increased educational opportunities and creates a wider variety for our listening audiences," he said.

Before the show ended, Famulare thanked the Luhrs staff and the audience and took a moment to recognize the ensemble's graduating seniors.

The SU music department has more performances this spring, including the concert choir and madrigal singers on Monday, April 13 and the SU community orchestra on Sunday, April 12. 

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