University Jazz Orchestra presents an evening of big band music

Western Michigan University's University Jazz Orchestra presents an evening of jazz big band music at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, in the Dalton Recital Hall. The free concert will feature music by composers Clare Fischer, Joe Henderson, Thad Jones, and Charles Mingus. WMU's award-winning Jazz Orchestra is directed by Scott Cowan.

This 18-member ensemble has received international acclaim for its high performance standards and creative approach to big band jazz. Recognitions include three-time winners in the college big band category of the DownBeat Magazine annual DB student music awards, a heralded performance in New York City's Carnegie Hall, 25 consecutive Outstanding Band recognitions at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, and featured performances for the International Association for Jazz Education Conferences in Los Angeles and Atlanta. The ensemble's CDs Spritely Overdue, Disposable Income, Blue Miles, Sweet Tango, Cosmosis and Boogaloo Land have received rave reviews in Down Beat magazine, JazzTimes Magazine, the IAJE Journal, Cadence Magazine, and numerous other noted publications.