40th Annual CRITERIONS Alumni Reunion Concert Returns to WCU During Centennial Year of Jazz
Free Public Concert Set for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Emilie K. Asplundh
Concert Hall
The swing is back in town! On Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m., alumni of West Chester University's renowned Criterions Jazz Ensemble will reunite on stage for the 40th Annual Criterions Alumni Reunion Concert, a free public performance in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.
The concert marks a special year for jazz at West Chester University, celebrating both the 40th alumni reunion concert and the University's upcoming 100 Years of Jazz celebration. Together, these milestones honor a century of musical excellence and four decades of alumni returning to campus to keep the spirit of the Criterions alive.
Founded in 1986 by H. Lee Southall, former faculty director of the Criterions, the Criterions Alumni Jazz Ensemble was created to provide graduates with an opportunity to continue performing together long after their student years. Since then, the annual reunion concert has become a beloved summer tradition, bringing together generations of musicians to reconnect, rehearse, and perform for the community.
"This year's reunion is especially meaningful as we celebrate both the 40th Alumni Reunion Concert and prepare for 100 Years of Jazz at West Chester University," said Dave DiValentino, director of the Criterions Alumni Jazz Ensemble. "The alumni concert reflects everything that makes the Criterions special—musical excellence, friendship, tradition, and a commitment to carrying this legacy forward for future generations."
The concert will feature alumni performers representing multiple decades of the ensemble's history, performing a variety of classic swing, big band, and jazz repertoire. Opening the evening will be the Camp Big Band, comprised of talented young musicians participating in WCU's Summer Jazz Camp, continuing the University's longstanding commitment to jazz education and mentorship.
The alumni reunion concert also serves as a prelude to a historic milestone later this year. From November 6–8, 2026, West Chester University will celebrate 100 Years of Jazz, commemorating the centennial of the ensemble that would become the Criterions. Formed during the 1926–27 academic year, the group evolved from a student-led dance band into one of the nation's longest-running collegiate jazz ensembles, shaping generations of musicians and enriching the cultural life of the University and surrounding community.
The November centennial celebration will bring together students, alumni, guest artists, and supporters to honor a century of jazz excellence at WCU. Additional details found at https://www.wcupa.edu/music/criterions/100-years-of-jazz/.
West Chester University's Wells School of Music offers nationally accredited programs and exceptional performance opportunities for students pursuing careers in music education, performance, composition, and related fields.