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POWELL, Wyo. - Springtime brings music performances at Northwest College, and the first week of May is packed with programs in the Nelson Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
NWC's Jazz Band I opens the music fest week on Tuesday evening, May 4, when it performs in its annual spring concert. The audience can expect to hear the repertoire the group performed on tours and at festivals this year. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Highlights from the program include "Cute," by Bob Mintzer; "Love for Sale," from the library of the Buddy Rich Band; and "Hit the Ground Running," from Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. Jazz Band I is under the direction of NWC Professor of Music Neil Hansen. Jazz Band II, directed by adjunct instructor Craig Olson, will perform three original numbers written for small jazz ensemble; "No Foolin'," by Clifford Weeks; and "A New Start" and "Off to Buffalo," both by Dan Higgins.
Trombones-derived from the Italian word meaning "large trumpet"-take center stage on Thursday, May 6, when the NWC Trombone Choir, together with the Big Horns Trombone Ensemble, present a 6:30 p.m. recital. Both groups are under the direction of Rick Parmer. Included in the program are "Tromboni-Suite," by Fried Walter; "Amparito Roca," by Jamie Texidor; "Eaglehawk" by Eric Ewazen; and "Blue Topaz," featuring Jack Nauman of Basin on bass trombone. Solo performances by students in Parmer's trombone studio are also planned during the first half of the concert and feature Spencer Nelson, Adam Small, Willy Parmer and John Henderson. Also in the spotlight is Cody High School student David Ginger, one of this year's Wyoming Young Artist competition winners.
A Sunday early afternoon, May 9, piano recital features private students of pianist and NWC Music Program Coordinator Tim Schoessler. The recital begins at 2 p.m.
Sophomore piano student Turner Schoer of Billings, Mont., performs in recital at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, in the Nelson Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
Admission to the concerts and recitals is free.