West Chester University’s Criterions Jazz Ensemble Performs Concert of Student Works on May 3
The West Chester University’s (WCU) Wells School of Music (WSOM) proudly presents the Criterions Jazz Ensemble on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble will perform in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building & Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. Jonathan Ragonese directs. The concert is FREE and open to the public and can also be viewed via Livestream.
Long known as one of the WSOM’s premiere ensembles, the Criterions Jazz Ensemble performs a variety of big band traditional and contemporary jazz standards. This end-of-year concert features the work of student composers and is the culmination of a year-long investigation into the potential of a large improvisatory ensemble.
Director of Jazz Studies Jonathan Ragonese says, “Our jazz students attended workshops, seminars, rehearsals, and received feedback from band members to develop and fine-tune their compositions. What they have created is extraordinary. Please join us for what we know will be a night of fantastic music.”
The Criterions is the longest-running University jazz band in the country. Originating in the 1920s, they were a student-led ballroom dance band, providing entertainment for WCU dances, proms, and post-Friday night games. As times changed, the “Crites” became a faculty-led jazz ensemble until 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.