The Journal

Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Max Gersh Willie Akins Webster, adjunct jazz faculty member, led two groups of students on his soprano saxophone April 2 in the Winifred Moore Auditorium.

Soothing jazz melodies resonated throughout the Winifred Moore Auditorium. Students displayed their musical talents as they created a relaxing ambiance for the audience.


The performers of the Webster University Jazz Combos presented their music styling April 2 for an audience of 75. There were five combos, which performed two songs each. They all consisted of four to six people.


"I was happy with the performance, but there are always things that you can pick out," said freshman Zac Minor, tenor saxophonist and a jazz performance major.


Each combo played different upbeat jazz tunes, one of which was composed by Tom Byrne, combo director and adjunct professor of jazz studies. Byrne directed two of the five combos. He said he was pleased with the concert, especially his two groups.


However, Byrne was not the only person who praised the concert.


"I really enjoyed the concert," said Sue Rola, an audience member. "They get better every time,"


Rola said she goes to a number of jazz combo events because both of her daughters are involved in music.


The audience showed its appreciation by breaking out into applause during each song performed.


Jazz tunes such as "Au Privave" by Charlie Parker, "Flamingo" by Ted Grouya and Ed Anderson and "Milestones" by Miles Davis were some of the music performed during the 10-song concert.


Each person playing in the combos, with the exception of a high school student, is part of a jazz course at Webster. The combos function like a normal semester course, meeting once a week for practice and critique. To participate in the combos, students must audition and are then placed by directors in a specific combo based on skill level and playing ability, Byrne said. Jazz combo events are held every semester.


"I think our group is better this term," Minor said. "This semester, we had about the same group, and since we have played together, the music comes together faster."


Minor's combo was under the direction of Willie Akins, adjunct professor of jazz studies and director of two combos.


The nearly two-hour concert was filled with saxophones, guitars, drums and bass. However, one combo varied in style by adding vocals and a violin. Byrne directed the group that performed last.


"This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get experience," said Paul DeMarinis, associate music professor and director of jazz studies.


Along with Akins and Byrne, Dave Black directed a combo. Black is an adjunct professor in the jazz department, as well as a teacher at the Community Music School.


The concert was free to Webster students, but general admission cost was $3. DeMarinis said concert proceeds would go to the music department to contribute to other events.


The next concert, "South American Sketches," will be 7 p.m. April 9 in the Winifred Moore Auditorium. The concert will feature the Faculty Jazz Ensembles. Webster students with a valid ID can attend the show for free, while general admission is $10.

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