U.S. Army brings jazz to Southern Wesleyan
Southern Wesleyan University hosts the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Oct. 16 as part of its Fine Arts Series.
One of the finest big bands in the world today, the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., tours thousands of miles each year to promote patriotism and good will for the U.S. Army through free public concerts.
The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors will continue a long history of presenting free public performances when it appears at Southern Wesleyan University on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. The Jazz Ambassadors’ concert in Central, S.C. is sponsored by the university.
The Jazz Ambassadors present a diverse program of big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland and patriotic selections. Maestro Marvin Hamlisch, during a joint concert with the National Symphony Orchestra, exclaimed, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country!”
Past performance highlights include the Montreux, North Sea and Newport jazz festivals, World War II 50th anniversary commemorations in the United States and Europe and performances in India and Japan. After performing with the Cincinnati Pops at Carnegie Hall, the Cincinnati Enquirer declared that “the musicianship was superb…The Jazz Ambassadors are polished and seamless virtuosos.”
Members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected by highly competitive audition and represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than three decades of touring have earned them the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.”
A highly competitive audition process draws candidates from leading conservatories, universities and the professional ranks. Many members of the Jazz Ambassadors have extensive civilian performance experience, including recordings, movie and television soundtracks and performances with major jazz and popular music artists. Alumni have gone on to careers in university teaching, studio recording and performance.
Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are designed to entertain all types of audiences. Many of the ensemble’s members arrange and compose music highlighting the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.
For free tickets to the Jazz Ambassadors’ performance at Southern Wesleyan University, please call (864) 644-5191 or 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5191.