Manchester bands to record first live album May

The Manchester University Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble will perform a concert with some of their greatest hits on Wednesday, May 4.

“The Session” will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester campus. 

This performance will be recorded for the bands’ first live album. 

The Symphonic Band will be performing pieces such as “Metroplex,” “Melody Shop” and “Elegy.”

The band will also present “Sailors and Whales: Three Scenes from Melville,” which will be narrated by Dr. John Planer, professor of music. He has dedicated his entire professional career — more than 45 years — to the students of Manchester University, and is retiring at the end of the academic year.

The jazz performance includes “Jungle Boogie,” “Big Noise from Winnetka” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” 

The featured soloist is Kevin Friermood of Lafontaine, a senior music major who will play euphonium on “Melody Shop,” said Director Scott Humphries, assistant professor of music.

The concert is free for Manchester students, faculty and staff, and is $5 for others. 

Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,500 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Athletic Training and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy.  Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.

Prepared by student Sarah Farnam, strategic communications assistant.

April 15, 2016