Elon University’s Department of Music presented the closing concert Saturday night in McCrary Theatre for the 2023 Elon University Jazz Festival, which ran Feb. 17 to 18.
The university’s Jazz Ensemble headlined the concert and Elon alumnus Brandon Mitchell ’16 directed and conducted the group. The festival also included performances from local high school bands, a jam session led by the jazz ensemble and a music workshop led by award-winning trumpet player Al Strong and vibraphonist John Metzger.
The ensemble performed songs such as “Sidewinder” by Eddie Durham and bossa nova — or new-wave jazz — classic “Corcovado” by Antonio Carlos Jobim
The performance also included a special guest quintet that was led by Strong and Metzger. Strong and Metzger were accompanied by guitarist Logan Butler, bassist Andrew Powell and Mitchell on drums.
“I’m so appreciative that we get to do this every year,” Mitchell said. “This is such a great opportunity to learn, and for middle school and high school students to work and perform with amazing artists.”
After the final show, Ari Turobiner, Elon sophomore and alto saxophonist in the ensemble, said preparing for the performance was fulfilling.
“Working on this for the last two weeks has been amazing,” Turobiner said. “I’ve been able to truly dedicate myself to the art of jazz. All I really want to do is show how complex the art form is.”