A discussion of Stevens musicians would not be complete without mention of the Stevens Concert Band and Jazz Band.
The Stute recently had the opportunity to interview the Director of the Stevens Jazz Band and Conductor of the Stevens Concert Band, Jerry Ficeto. Ficeto’s passion for music and his students’ success is evident. His mission, since his arrival to Stevens in 2004, has been to provide musical experience to everyone at Stevens who is interested, whether their interest lies in musical performance, appreciation, or supporting the arts in other ways.
The Stevens Jazz Ensemble consists of musicians of all skill levels, and Ficeto noted that the group does a great deal of musical sight-reading. Sight-reading allows the ensemble to explore rhythmic and tonal concepts whilst gaining exposure to a wide range of jazz pieces, old and new — an environment Ficeto works hard to foster. “I find it extremely important that the group have a diverse repertoire because there are not many opportunities any more to perform or be exposed to the different forms of the true American art form, jazz,” he shared.
The Jazz Band is currently working towards their upcoming performance on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 8 p.m. in DeBaun Auditorium. The program will consist of approximately 20 selections, ranging from classical jazz by Charles Mingus, John Coletrane, Hoagy Carmichael, Rodgers & Hart, and George Gershwin, to more contemporary compositions from artists such as Quincy Jones. Works from popular artists such as Steely Dan, Earth Wind & Fire, Sting, and Bruno Mars will be featured, as well as improvisation from the members of the band.
Vocalist Adriana Aguirre, alto saxophonist Matthew Oyales, tenor saxophonist Jason Ho, and keyboardists Brandon Lim and Kyle Marcadaeg, are set to feature on multiple of the night’s selections. Stevens students are encouraged to support the Jazz Band by attending the upcoming concert. Admission is free with Stevens I.D.
The Stute wishes to congratulate the talented Stevens Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, and Saxophone Ensemble on their accomplished performance last Saturday, April 22 2023. The Concert Band program featured challenging compositions by Gustav Holst, John Philip Sousa and Claude Debussey, and the world premiere of “So the Mortar Burns” by Stevens student composer Thomas Ward. Soloist performances included:
“Cinema Paradiso” performed by Yuri Usakarn Anantuasub (alto saxophone)
“The Girl with the Flaxen Hair” performed by Winston Lee (English horn)
“You Raise Me Up” and “I Dreamed a Dream” performed by Adriana Aguirre (vocalist)
Students interested in performing the aforementioned ensembles, or assisting in technical/support roles are encouraged to contact Jerry Ficeto by email at gficeto@stevens.edu.
