BOONE—With a nod to the blustery month of March, Jazz Ensemble II opens its March 2 concert with Troy Andrews’ “Hurricane Season.” That composition and others will be performed beginning at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free.

The 21-member Hayes School of Music ensemble is directed by Rod Berry.

Arranged by John Wasson, “Hurricane Season” features the powerful sound of a New Orleans brass band.

The groove continues with “Hay Burner” by Sammy Nestico, which features solos and instrumental pairings of the saxophone, trombone and trumpet sections.

Next on the program is “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” written by Phil Silvers and Jimmy Van Heusen, which Frank Sinatra made popular in 1945.

The long-time Hoagie Carmichael favorite “Georgia on My Mind” is next on the program. The jazz ensemble will perform Sammy Nestico’s arrangement, featuring soloist Luke Taylor on saxophone.

The ensemble continues with the Horace Silver’s funky jazz sound of the 1960s with “The Jody Grind” arranged by John Clayton.

“Early Autumn” by Ralph Burns and Woody Herman and “Leapin’ Lizards” by Andy Farber round out the performance. Farber’s composition, influenced by Count Basie features solo sections that allow the ensemble’s musicians to showcase their talents as the concert ends.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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