MVC jazz band to play first concert Nov. 22

Garry Anders conducts the MVC jazz band as they rehearse for their first concert Sunday, Nov. 22. (Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

There's a new sound at Missouri Valley College this fall: a jazz band. Garry Anders conducts the ensemble, which is part of Valley's hopes of reviving its instrumental music program.

From a jazz combo last semester, the group has grown into almost a full jazz band, with 11 members. But the small size doesn't necessarily affect the music, Anders said.

"They're actually doing really well," he said.

Front row from left to right, Ron Curtis, James Withers and Emily Mays. Middle row from left to right, Laura Galvan, Travis Smith, Nick Hern and Sabrina Nicks. Back row from left to right, Bo Burnham, Josh Blackburn and Jacques Toney. The MVC jazz band poses for a photo Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 18. (Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The band will play its first concert this Sunday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. at MVC's Eckilson-Mabee Theatre. On the program are "Nostalgia at Times Square" and "Gunslinging Bird" by Charlie Mingus, "Jamie" by Sammy Nestico and "Black and Tan Fantasy" by Duke Ellington, among others.

"It'll be a very enjoyable concert for people," he said. "We've got a real wide variety of music."

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net