The jazz ensembles of the UMass Boston Performing Arts Department took the stage for their “Jazz! Live!” event Nov. 22 and 23, featuring three different bands and dozens of student performers.
According to an introduction by directors Peter Janson and Erven Dhimo, students focused on mastering advanced techniques over the course of the semester — this includes “improvisation, syncopation and complex rhythms, resulting in an evening of original arrangements inspired by renowned masters.”
As a genre, jazz is fluid. It allows for a level of creativity that can intimidate some new artists, but simultaneously can create a more personal and involved style.
“Jazz is incredibly flexible; you can change it in a lot of ways, and it still remains something beautiful. Improvisation shapes jazz as a whole — it’s your chance to build upon what great musicians of the past have laid out for you,” explained Vee Villamar, a third-year IT major and performer in the “Jazz! Live!” event.
Villamar’s band, like the other two ensembles, performed several songs of different styles and tones on classical jazz instruments. Villamar herself played the vibraphone during the show, and other students played piano, guitar, a variety of horns and other percussion and brass instruments.
Of the 14 songs played at the concert, some, like “Afro Blue” and “First Light,” were upbeat and colorful, jumping between several solo artists. Others, like “Tenderly,” were slow and thoughtful. According to Villamar, the directors observed each of the bands and worked with them directly to choose songs that would fit their play style.
The performing arts department accepts students of all skill levels, encouraging musicians to challenge themselves at their own pace. For example, Villamar — a bass player of four years, with only a little over a year’s experience on the vibraphone — challenged herself this year to play with four mallets, two in each hand.
“Some of them, this will be their first time ever performing, and I would challenge you to be able to identify who they are. They have worked so hard — it’s been so great this semester,” Janson said at the beginning of the show.
Villamar encourages students to sign up, even if they aren’t music majors. “The ensembles are always welcoming both new and experienced musicians. Both Director Janson and Director Dhimo are fantastic musicians — you’re in great hands, and in event greater company with your peers,” she said.
She added, “As someone who’s taken the class a few times in a row, it’s fascinating to see how our sound changes, and overall an honor to be able to share the stage with awesome band members time and time again.”
The performing arts department will return to the Recital Hall on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. when they host their holiday choral concert: “The UMass Boston Choruses: The Most WONDERFUL Time of the Year.”
