The program will include a variety of works for jazz and wind ensembles, including holiday music and Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music.” The concert is free and open to the public.
The Northwest Wind Symphony, under the direction of John Bell, artist-in-residence in Northwest’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, is Northwest’s premiere instrumental ensemble. The 60-piece wind and percussion ensemble performs the standard selections in addition to repertoire from all styles and periods. The Wind Symphony regularly commissions and premieres new works, performs with guest soloists and conductors of national and international standing. The ensemble has been invited to perform for the Missouri Music Educators Association six times and for the Nebraska Music Educators Association in 2007.
The Jazz Ensemble is conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Bill Richardson and has an established reputation for quality and excellence in jazz education. The Northwest Jazz Ensemble is a select group of musicians dedicated to the performance of a wide variety of jazz and commercial music. With recent tours to New Orleans and Chicago, the ensemble annually sponsors the Northwest District Jazz Band performance and the Northwest Jazz Festival.