On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the Hunter College Jazz Ensemble delivered a stunning performance at the Lang Recital Hall, the group’s final semester show. Directed by Ryan Keberle, the ensemble comprised saxes, brass/winds, Rhythm sections, voice, and even a tap dancer. The ensemble delivered a captivating performance that wowed the audience.
The performance began with the ensemble’s rendition of “Blue Rondo a la Turk” by Dave Brubeck, followed by “Emancipation Blues” by Freddie Green and Count Basie. Throughout the evening, the ensemble showcased their impressive musicianship, with Flavio Boasso taking lead vocals on “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Harold Arlen as performed by Frank Sinatra. The ensemble included several standout performers, including Anastasia Villareal on saxophone, whose melodic solos drew cheers from the audience. Nayesha Krishna on flute delivered a captivating performance demonstrating her skill and musical versatility, while Jayden Mead’s powerful drumming set the tempo for the ensemble’s rhythm section.
This particular performance was even more special as it featured a tap dancer for the first time in the ensemble’s history. Yuka Kameda, the tap dancer, who has been tap dancing for twenty years, said, “I have tap danced with a jazz ensemble before, but not with a group as big as tonight’s ensemble.” The addition of the tap dancer added a unique element to the already impressive performance, highlighting the versatility and creativity of the Hunter College Jazz Ensemble.
Before concluding with the final piece, “Greetings and Salutations” by Thad Jones, Ryan Keberle took a moment to bid farewell to some of the ensemble members graduating from Hunter College. “Some of these students have been playing with us since their very first years,” said Keberle. Among the graduating students are pursuing different paths from music to pre-med.
In attendance at the performance was Beverly McDonald, a Hunter College alumni, who attended to support her son, Mikhail McDonald, on the piano. “I never miss any of my son’s shows,” said McDonald, emphasizing the dedication and support of the Hunter College community for its students.
In addition to the proud parents and alumni in attendance, the Hunter College Jazz Ensemble’s performance on April 26th drew a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts and prospective students alike. Among the audience members were Samuel Martinez, a dual-enrolled student at Hunter College and at a local high school. Martinez had tagged along with his friend Zahir, a prospective student planning to attend Hunter in the fall.
As the Spring semester comes to a close, it is without a doubt that the Hunter College Jazz Ensemble left a lasting impression on its audience and the Hunter College community. The ensemble’s hard work and dedication paid off, and their performance is truly a celebration of the music of Jazz that can bring people together and inspire others to be creative and passionate about the arts. It is a reminder that music plays a pivotal role in people and the community around them.
