Georgia Southern Jazz Ensemble mixes music with beauty in concert at Botanic Garden April 29

The “Jazz at the Garden” outdoor concert will showcase the student Jazz Ensemble, alongside retired U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note ensemble members and University of Arkansas-Monticello faculty Ben Patterson and Tim Leahey. The musicians will perform a repertoire of pieces by Glenn Miller and Chick Corea along with original compositions written by Georgia Southern students. Music education major and trumpet player Cameron Carter says being able to play alongside such accomplished musicians makes this concert a unique experience. 

“It’s exciting to work with musicians who are at such a high level,” said Carter. “It’s amazing to be able to get outside of the classroom and instructional sessions to actually perform with people who are at the level I hope to be. I get to see what my future could look like.”

Director of the Jazz Ensemble Nathan DuVall, DMA, says the music and atmosphere were carefully chosen to make this concert a special event for both the audience and performers.

“The Botanic Garden is a stunning venue and everything is in fresh bloom,” said DuVall. “I wanted to create something exciting and different to get the students out of the routine of the concert hall. I think the public will like it as well since it is a picnic environment where they can bring chairs, blankets and their own food.”

Carter believes the informal venue and the improvisational nature of jazz will blend perfectly to make this concert a freeflowing musical conversation between the performers and audience.

“At our jazz concerts, we cheer each other on, laugh together and have a good time while making fun, energetic music,” said Carter. “Jazz has been my gateway for communicating through music. Instead of just sticking to what’s on the page, we really get into the performance and it never goes the same way twice. We just make music that fits the moment.”

The free concert will be held at the Botanic Garden April 29 at 7:30 p.m.