Faculty Jazz Ensemble earns snaps in the Underground

By CARLY DAVIS

The Faculty Jazz Ensemble performed in the Underground in honor of Black History Month on Tues., Feb. 13. This musical style, which originated in the early 20^th century, also referred to as “the music of America,” served as a tribute to the greatest Jazz artists of all time.

Each artist contributed their own style and talent to each song, as they performed small solos within some songs. The group featured songs entitled “All of Me,” “Nostalgia in Times Square” and “The ‘A’ Train,” among others.

Amanda Clark, freshman and aspiring music major, said that she had forgotten the show’s date, but was happy she remembered in time. “I love jazz,” she said, “I’m not leaving until this is over.”

Snaps and applause were excited by each song, which proved one didn’t have to be a jazz fan to enjoy the musical styling’s of the night. Juniors Elisa Delle Fratte, an art history major, Sara Weinstein, an English major, and Chelsea Wagenaar, an anthropology and sociology major, went to the Underground for dinner, but decided to stay and listen.

“It’s good background music,” Delle Fratte said. Those who were unaware of the performance seemed pleasantly surprised, and those who did plan on attending were appreciative of the relaxing music.

“It’s the most beautiful gift given to us,” said Doug Gately, director of jazz studies at the University of Mary Washington.

Gately spoke in-between songs. He said there isn’t much time for rehearsal or sound checks, but they really enjoy playing together. This fact was evident in the group’s dynamic. It looked like they were having a great time, laughing and joking on stage.