By Chris Nafekh, Staff Writer

Published in print Oct. 8, 2014

Last Friday, music students and faculty gathered in support of UNCG’s first Jazz ensemble of the new school year.  Directed by Chad Eby, the program featured pieces written and arranged by the students and staff.

The recital hall was brightly lit, and the stage was lined with shinning brass.  A grand piano stood left, the lid open.  Inside the lid, a crimson and gold interior contrasted the light brown walls.

From behind the set, the soothing sounds of saxophone warm-ups carried through the stage exit. 

Casually late, like true jazz performers, the band walked on eight minutes after 7:30 p.m.  Applause filled the room, and the band found their positions with an aura of anticipation.

Eby walked on stage and began to conduct.  The band began with a piece written by Steve Haines, bass professor.  “Pour Amanpour” began with a smooth, calming melody.  The drums kicked in, and the entire band began to swing.  The urge to dance was undeniable.

Though the audience sat calmly to listen, foots tapped underneath their seats.  Skillful piano licks by Thomas Linger and saxophone melodies from Will England had the listeners hooked.

“That’s good,” exclaimed Eby. “Tonight is about showcasing these students as composers,” he explained. “That last one was written by the youngest member of the jazz program, Steve Haines,” he joked playfully, “Steve, where are you?”

Midway through the concert, the band performed “Three Too Many”, a composition by Eby, inspired by an untold inside joke.  The mood was upbeat and lively. 

The arrangement featured call and response solos between Chris Bittner and Dan Hitchcock, the two tenor saxophonists.  The band nodded in approval as the two repeated and built upon each other’s melodies. 

The next two pieces were written and arranged by UNCG students.  “The Doity G” by John Jepsen began with a solo from double bassist Aaron Gross, which walked its way into a late night city swing.

“To Be Honest” was next, written by tenor saxophonist Chris Bittner.  Bittner, who had his twenty-first birthday later that night, was enthused to hear his music played by his friends for the first time.

“It feels cool, but the song isn’t quite done,” Bittner said.  He expressed remorse over the arrangement.  “I’m proud of the song, but it could be arranged better.  I actually wrote this song for an assignment, it just happened.”

Bittner, a senior, has been playing saxophone for eleven years.  Clearly striving for improvement in his work, he knew that hard work is a constant necessity. “We rehearse every weekday at noon, except Friday.”  The Miles Davis jazz program clearly strives to work its students hard, with constant practice in craft and composition.

“It goes without saying that I’m really proud of this band”, Eby said.  Chad Eby clearly felt compassion for their hard work.  “We’ll be recording these pieces in May for our CD this year.” 

Every year, the jazz program records a CD through Bluenote Records of original compositions such as these.  Previous CD’s were on sale after the performance.

The Jazz Ensemble will play tonight, October 8 at 7:30 p.m.  “Kings and Queens of Swing”, directed by Brandon Lee will feature classic dance music from the nineteen twenties and thirties.  And the jazz program has multiple events in November, including “The Great American Songbook” and a faculty jazz recital. 

For more information, go to “Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program @ UNC-Greensboro” on facebook.com.