The Commons hosts night of jazz performances

10/06/2021: The following errors were brought to our attention.
The KSU student group that won bronze in the special events NACUS category in 2020 was not the Jazz Combos group. Campus Services Event Coordinator Paige Stafford’s name had a typo, which is now fixed. We apologize for any misunderstanding that may have arisen from this article.

The Kennesaw State Jazz Combos graced the Commons on the Kennesaw campus Sept. 28 with a selection of jazz favorites.

In their first music performance of the year, KSU’s Jazz Combos gave a performance for people in attendance at the Commons. The Jazz Combos, a part of the KSU Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music, offers three jazz ensembles, seven jazz combos, two jazz guitar ensembles and the Vocal Jazz Lab. Various styles and composers make up Jazz Ensemble I, II, and III, according to the KSU Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music website.

In addition to the musical performance, the KSU Swing Dance Association showcased creative movement in performance and dance. This was a well received addition to an evening full of creativity and artistic expression.

Campus Services Event Coordinator Paige Stafford was eager to host the event again a year after the Jazz Combos helped KSU win the Special Events Category for 2020. This event showcases the talent at KSU and provides students with an opportunity to dine while listening to a selection of jazz music.

Everyone in attendance was able to enjoy feather centerpieces, mocktails, and colorful feather boas. Singer Auriyan Tillman performed a heartfelt rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s Summertime during the event. Performers included trombonist Zach Opitz, guitarist Owen Anderson, and bassist Bill Pritchard.

The KSU Jazz Ensembles and Combos have previously performed at the Jazz Education Network conference, Georgia Music Educators Association in-service conference, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards, the International Festival of University Theatre of Casablanca and in Montepulciano, Italy. The KSU Jazz Combos released Global in 2017, an album of 7 original works available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, according to the KSU Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music website.

The next performance will take place Oct. 19 in Stingers Dining Hall on the Marietta Campus. The lineup will feature saxophonist Jimmy Snyder, trombonist Grady Houseworth, guitarist Owen Anderson, and bassist Bill Pritchard. Everyone is invited to attend the performance.

To learn more about the KSU Jazz Combos and other events and performances by the KSU Bailey School of Music visit @musicksu or for events hosted by Campus Services dining facilities visit @eatksu on Instagram.

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