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REXBURG, Idaho — The Swingset jazz concert has been
moved to Saturday, Oct. 12, at Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg at
7:30 p.m.
To
avoid conflict with a concert by the U.S. Air Force Band and Singing
Sergeants on the original date of Oct. 19, the concert will be held a week
earlier in the Snow Drama Theater. Cost will is $2 for the general public
and $1 for BYU-Idaho students and tickets are available at the BYU-Idaho
Ticket Office at 496-2230.
Swingset
is a BYU-Idaho faculty jazz band that plays a variety of jazz music derived
from different influences such as Latin, soul, R&B and fusion, says
Mark Watkins of the music department. Members also write their own original
pieces and play traditional songs and standard music that has become a part
of American society over the years.
The
band, which is now playing its fifth year, consists of seven members, all
of whom are BYU-I faculty or related to faculty. Watkins plays the soprano
and alto saxophones. Matt Miles, who works in the library and also teaches
jazz, plays the tenor saxophone. Brice Mecham will be on the trombone and
retired music instructor Wilson Brown will play the piano. Percussion
instructor David Taylor will be on the drums and Missy Babcock will be on
vocals.
Watkins
says, “Swingset has three purposes: First, to be a role model for the
students here. It allows them to hear good, live jazz music, and have
someone to look up to.”
He
continues, “Second, it promotes creativity. Much of the music we play is
originally written by members of the band, and we also improvise a lot when
we perform. Lastly, it’s good for faculty development. It allows us to keep
improving and progressing as musicians.”
After
five years of playing together, Swingset has released a CD, which can be
purchased at the campus bookstore in the Manwaring Center or at the
concert. # # #
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