Join Synthesis for an evening of favorite pieces and special guest band alumni
As the long winter changes places with a budding spring, BYU’s premier jazz band Synthesis prepares for its final concert of the semester—as well as the final on-campus concert for retiring director Ray Smith. On April 6, Synthesis will perform its spring concert featuring some of Smith’s favorite jazz tunes alongside Synthesis alumni returning as special guests.
Among the special guests are Mark Ammons, Steve Erickson, Ben Nichols, Hayley Kirkland, Aimee Nolte, Suzy Lind, Beth Campbell and Brian Woodbury.
Those who attend the concert will be treated to the familiar sounds of classic jazz standards, including “Send in the Clowns” and “When You’re Smiling,” as well as music from well-known artists such as George Gershwin, Michael Bublé and others.
“It will be a fun concert featuring a lot of really terrific people and some great tunes,” said Smith.
This concert will also highlight the three pieces that Synthesis is preparing to compete in the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship on April 19–20. Synthesis was personally invited to the competition by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis as one of 10 total competing collegiate jazz bands from across the United States.
Smith said that simply being invited to the competition is a great honor, whether or not they win. “Just the fact that we’re going to be there at all and we got the invitation is a big vote of confidence,” he said.
As Smith reflected on his time at BYU, he expressed gratitude for his career with Synthesis.
“It’s been a great blessing to be with this band for 40 years,” Smith said. “We’ve literally been all over the world and played at most of the world’s greatest jazz festivals.”
For an evening full of admirable talent and a preview of the band’s competition pieces, don’t miss out on the Synthesis spring concert!
For tickets to this performance, visit arts.byu.edu.
BYU Synthesis
de Jong Concert Hall
April 6 at 7:30 p.m.