“Spooktacular,” The Southwestern Michigan College fall band concert takes place Friday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus. The college’s jazz ensemple staged “Jazz on the Lawn” to preview the concert Thursday outside on the campus.
SMC says in a release, “Enter, if you dare, to be treated to music ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Colgrass to pop icon Michael Jackson, whose “Thriller” closed Thursday’s sunny outdoor set.”
Trick-or-treating will be available before and after the October 25 concert. Costumes are encouraged for all ages. Alumni are invited to join as the concert featuring the Jazz Ensemble and the Symphonic Band closes with the SMC Alma Mater. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We have a photo booth planned,” Director of Bands Mark Hollandsworth said. “We have a costume contest planned. We encourage folks who come out to dress in costume, and we will as well.”
The Jazz Ensemble opened with the 1940s jazz standard “How High the Moon,” featuring trombonists Aliya Leavitt from Paw Paw and Sam Crago from Watervliet.
A Latin-seasoned standard, “Autumn Leaves,” spotlights alto saxophonist Isaiah Morris from Elkhart and tenor saxophonist Joe Rizzo from Niles Brandywine.
Pianist Thelonious Monk’s 1943 “Round Midnight” also features Leavitt, a second-year music major. “Thriller” highlights the saxophone section — Morris, Rizzo and Jasmin Garcia of Hartford on baritone.
SMC’s fall choir concert, “Song and Saga,” takes place at 7:30 on Saturday, Nov. 2, also in the theatre of the Lyons Building.
SMC invites you to journey through the ages to explore the shared spirit of storytelling that unites musical theatre, opera and the choral craft. The evening features solo, small and large ensembles.
For further information about upcoming band, choir, and theatre performances, visit swmich.edu/performances.
