Fifty people came together on a snowy night in Williams Auditorium to bob their heads and tap their feet to Ferris’ winter jazz band concert.
On Feb. 15, as a Festival of the Arts event, the concert covered seven diverse styles of jazz. The set included songs by Duke Ellington and Bruno Mars and was directed by music professor Matt Moresi.
Moresi has been involved in the jazz scene since he was a baby. Moseri wants to enlighten others about important details and insights behind the genre.
“My dad would take me to jam sessions when I was an infant,” Moresi said. “[Now,] I’m trying to help others understand and enjoy.”
As the genre originated in New Orleans, Moresi notes that the history of jazz was originally introduced to the world by Black people.
“Jazz is definitely a Black art,” Moresi said. “It’s a significant part of American art that came directly from Black people.”
Biology senior Melissa Akin played the alto saxophone during the concert. Jazz has taught Akin more about different people and cultures. Because of the genre, she feels she’s able to appreciate diversity.
“[Jazz has] let me play a lot of different genres of music,” Akin said. “It’s branched out and you see different cultures expanding into jazz and making music.”
Secondary English freshman Kyren Passenier is a member of the jazz band. Though he has played the trumpet for 10 years, this was his first year in the jazz band. He has enjoyed his experience of learning more about the music and meeting new people.
“It’s just honestly been a really welcoming experience,” Passenier said.
Business administration and entrepreneurship sophomore Jaala Irvine went to the concert because of her interest in and love for the genre.
“I got into it recently and I love our jazz band,” Irvine said. “It’s just good every time.”
Moresi’s intent for the atmosphere was to create the same feel as the way jazz was originally introduced in nightclubs.
“[I wanted to] create something that feels relaxed and enjoyable,” Moresi said. “Find music that makes the audience bob your head or tap their foot.”
Irvine described the atmosphere just as Moresi intended it to feel.
“It’s very welcoming,” Irvine said. “It’s just something you can always bop your head to.”
For more information on the Festival of the Arts, visit https://www.brfota.org.