Warm sounds filled Lee Hall auditorium as the FAMU Jazz Ensemble had put on a performance like no other.
The FAMU Jazz Ensemble, directed by the director of jazz studies, Robert Griffin, performed many classic jazz arrangements on Wednesday night and had the audience at a standing ovation.
This “Evening of Jazz” concert is nothing new for the FAMU Music program. This event occurs every semester, allowing music students to showcase their stellar music talents.
FAMU trumpet professor Longineu Parsons expressed how this is an important event for student musicians to display their talents and prepare for life after graduation.
“This concert is essential on all levels. These students need to continue to express themselves and work on their craft and art. This event gives them that opportunity. The Tallahassee community needs to also be exposed to the great work that the FAMU music department is doing,” said Parsons.
Some of the world’s most renowned musicians have played in this exact jazz band. Some include Cannonball Adderly, Nat Adderly, and Linsey B. Sarjeant.
These are just some of the many FAMU-made musicals that have made a huge impact on the jazz genre as a whole.
Many students are grateful to be apart of this prestigious music program and are aware that the program is setting them up for musical success.
A trumpet player for the jazz band, Zach Mighty had a lot to say about the performance.
“Tonight’s performance had a lot of energy and that’s what I love about playing jazz music. These professors at FAMU do everything they can to make sure we become the best musicians we can be,” said Mighty.
Some musicians have even had their big break in the music industry since being a part of the FAMU music department.
Jamirah Gause, a vocalist at FAMU, was granted the opportunity to audition for American Idol and make it further than she had ever imagined.
She covered “Too Darn Hot” by Ella Fritzgerald and the audience was taken aback by her vocal capabilities.
“Although I did not get as far as I had hoped, I believe that was just the start of something even bigger for me,” said Gause.
The FAMU Department of Music continues to strive for excellence and pushes vocalists and musicians to be the best that they can be.