The 35th Annual Jazz Bash was held Tuesday, Nov. 20, in Jones Auditorium. The concert consisted of a variety of music genres taking the audience on a ride through the decades.
The Jazz Bash featured several of Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) jazz bands, including Jazz Bands I, II and III and Latin Jazz Ensemble. The performance was composed of rock, Latin and other distinct varieties of jazz.
The audience had the opportunity to listen to an exceptional interpretation of Mariposa Tracionera performed by TAMUK’s Latin Jazz Ensemble.
The concert was concluded strongly with the performance of Machito by Pete Rugolo.
The night was filled with special performances featuring several of TAMUK’s talented students.
Thomas Zinninger, TAMUK’s newest jazz faculty member, also had a special performance featuring him in the jazz song Pegasus by Hank Levy.
“It was interesting to see all the different type of styles of jazz. I think music is a very important part of our identity and our culture, so it was cool to hear music we don’t typically hear,” business management major Inri Sorto said.
For the past 35 years, it has become a tradition to have the Jazz Bash on the Tuesday before students leave campus for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“The Jazz Bash occurs each year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and has become a great way to kick off the holiday season. This concert is fun, exciting, relaxing, and showcases the many talented students within our internationally award-winning jazz program,” said Dr. Paul Hageman, director of Jazz Band I.
All four of the jazz bands which performed had charismatic and vibrant energies on stage.
Tempos, crescendos and decrescendos were all techniques showcased during the Jazz Bash performance.
Aside from showcasing talent, the Jazz Bash showcased the time and hard-work put in to hold the annual Jazz Bash.
“I enjoyed listening to a different type of music genre, and I thought it was cool to have songs feature several students during the performance,” said Alicia Villalta, a public service major.
