UGA jazz ensembles’ fall concert to include Miles Davis, Jobim, faculty soloist

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s jazz ensembles will perform their fall concert, featuring a unique appearance from a faculty soloist, in Ramsey Concert Hall on Thursday, November 10, at 6 p.m. 

The program begins with Jazz Ensemble II, the Hodgson School’s introductory level jazz ensemble, playing a mix of jazz styles from composers including Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

“These are some of our burgeoning young talents,” said David D’Angelo, director of the ensembles. “It’s exciting because you’ll be able to see the musicians in Jazz Ensemble II progress and grow over the next few years.”

Afterward, Jazz Ensemble I, the advanced level ensemble, performs a variety of jazz styles from composers and arrangers of the past and present. 

"This ensemble features students who have been performing around the country in both academic and professional settings like the Southeastern Conference Symposium All Star Jazz Ensemble, Aspen Music Festival and Disneyland National Collegiate Jazz Ensemble," said D’Angelo.

Part of the Jazz Ensemble I program includes an appearance from D. Ray McClellan, who will perform as soloist on Artie Shaw’s “Concerto For Clarinet.” McClellan is best known for his classical playing, but his first exposure to clarinet was with jazz musicians like Shaw, Benny Goodman and Pete Fountain.

“My father loved these players and thought that I might grow up to play like them and be a jazz musician like our own Dave D’Angelo,” said McClellan. “I pursued classical music instead but dabbled a little in the sounds of jazz, making sure I learned the opening solo of Rhapsody in Blue while I was young so I could entertain my father.”

The performance, then, is a unique opportunity to hear a renowned musician expand beyond their comfort zone and explore their roots.

“It’s a great opportunity to play Shaw’s ‘Concerto,’ return to these familiar sounds and work with Dave on the stylistic aspects of the piece,” said McClellan.

Admission is free to this event, and those unable to attend can watch the concert live on the Hodgson School’s streaming webpage: music.uga.edu/streaming.

This concert is presented as part of the University of Georgia’s Spotlight on the Arts festival, celebrating the arts at the University with a two-week schedule of events all across campus. Details can be found on the UGA Arts Council’s website, arts.uga.edu.

The UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music sponsors more than 350 performances each year. To view the performance calendar, subscribe to the weekly email concert listing or learn more about the School of Music, go to music.uga.edu.