Once again MacEwan University readies itself for a second season of music faculty concerts. The first faculty concert, An Evening of Jazz, Pop and Beyond, flips the switch on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at John L. Haar Theatre at the west-end campus.
Dr. Alan Gilliland, the music department’s new program chair, instituted three faculty concerts last year.
“It’s important for faculty to work towards something and get a chance to be performers, and students have an opportunity to see some great performances from the faculty,” said Gilliland.
St. Albert resident Chandelle Rimmer, head of the voice section, added, “Students get a chance to see work done by other people, other than students. It exposes them to new things and they see things demonstrated at a higher level.”
The popular jazz singer-songwriter will showcase a number from her last album Perspect-ism.
Another St. Albert resident, John Taylor, renowned as a longtime Edmonton Symphony Orchestra bassist and MacEwan bass section head, gets a chance to strut his jazz charts with another faculty member, saxophonist Kent Sangster.
“John will probably be playing his acoustic and electric bass and playing some funk and fusion with Kent,” noted Gilliland.
About 15 faculty members will perform – that’s about half the staff – and the selections will range from pianist Chris Andrew tickling the ivories on a solo to winds/brass section head Ray Baril bringing in a classical sax quartet.
“That’s where the ‘beyond’ in the concert title comes from. There will be a lot of jazz, fusion and funk.”
Gilliland predicts a fun, casual evening.
“It’s a chance to see people in concert on stage doing music they want to do, rather than something they have to do.”
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. The John L. Haar Theatre is at the Centre for the Arts and Communications, 10045 156 St. Tickets are $21.75 and $16.75 for students/seniors. They are available at the door or at 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca
