Wells School of Music Presents
CRITERIONS IN CONCERT
The West Chester University Wells School of Music proudly presents the Criterions Jazz Ensemble. The ensemble will perform a Fall concert on Friday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m., in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre in the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. Marc Jacoby directs. The event is FREE and open to the public.
The Criterions is the longest running University jazz band in the country. Originating in the 1920s, they were a student-led ballroom dance band, and provided entertainment for University dances, proms and post-Friday night games. As times changed, the “Crites” became a Faculty-led Jazz Ensemble by the early 1980’s, when the School of Music began Jazz curricula. They are known for their mastery of American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century.
On November 16, the 22 ensemble members will perform a variety of classic, big-band, and traditional and contemporary jazz songs made famous by the likes of Count Bassie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Toshiko Akivoshi and Rob McConnell. Selections include popular favorites like “It Had to Be You”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, and “Time for a Change.”
Bucks County native and solo vocalist, Katelyn Lopez, will also sing four songs including “Orange Colored Sky”, “It Had to Be You”, “I Love You, Porgy”, and “It’s Only a Paper Moon. Lopez is a Freshman member of the Criterions and is earning a dual degree in Music Education for Voice and Spanish. She also sings with the advanced woman’s choral group, Cantari Donne. Lopez says, “I am so honored to perform in this concert with this amazing group of musicians. You can tell they have been playing together – they are so professional and have made me feel right at home performing with them. I love it.”