Studio Big Band
09.20.25 | Armstrong Concert Hall
Studio Big Band
Matthew Niess, director
Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory
Program
Program to be selected from:
This Could Be the Start of Something Big
Steve Allen
arr. Quincy Jones
Night Life
Skitch Henderson
Orange Colored Sky
Milton Delugg & Willie Stein
arr. Roger Holmes
Skyy Carter, voice
Intimacy of the Blues
Billy Strayhorn
arr. Tommy Newsom
Conan O'Brian Theme
as performed by Max Weinberg
Ruth
Buddy Rich Big Band
arr. Bill Holman
Feeling Good
Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newly
arr. Roger Holmes
Skyy Carter, voice
Georgia on My Mind
Hoagy Carmichael
arr. Tommy Newsom
Tyler Makowieki, trumpet
Flyin’ Home
Benny Godman & Lionel Hampton
arr. Dick Lieb
A Little Minor Booze
Willie Maiden
Round Midnight
Cootie Williams & Thelonius Monk
arr. Alan Baylock
Skyy Carter, voice
Manteca
Dizzy Gillespie (John Birks)
Johnny’s Theme
Paul Anka & Johnny Carson
arr. John Higgins
Musicians of the New York “The Tonight Show” Band
The Tonight Show band was first established in 1954, growing into a prominent jazz ensemble under Skitch Henderson and later Doc Severinsen during the Johnny Carson era. After Carson's departure in 1992, Jay Leno ushered in a smaller band led by Branford Marsalis and then Kevin Eubanks. The tradition of a large orchestra ended with this shift and continued through Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon’s tenure.
The program has been hosted by six comedians: Steve Allen (1954–1957), Jack Paar (1957–1962), Johnny Carson (1962–1992), Jay Leno (1992–2009 and 2010–2014), Conan O'Brien (2009–2010) and Jimmy Fallon (2014–present).
Studio Big Band Personal
Vocals
Skyy Carter
Saxophone
Adam Dockins, alto saxophone
Ellie Long, alto saxophone
Luca Sabatino, tenor saxophone
Spencer Cook, tenor saxophone
Nicole O'Donnell, baritone saxophone
Trumpet
Tyler Makowiecki, trumpet
Will Gentle, trumpet
Ethan Benstock, trumpet
Jeremiah Johnson, trumpet
Rebecca Quiroga, trumpet
Trombone
Wade Parton, trombone
Ian Elick, trombone
Derrick Jenkins, trombone
Brandon DuBritton, bass trombone
Jackson Smith, bass trombone
Rhythm Section
Luke Demers, piano
Julianne Carr, bass
Brandon Divita, drum set
Martin Bernstein, drum set
Dean's Circle
When you join the Shenandoah Conservatory Dean’s Circle, your annual member support helps Shenandoah Conservatory address the costs of excellence in performing arts training, equipping state-of-the-art facilities, hiring world-class faculty, and fostering experimental and creative student projects.
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Shenandoah Conservatory is grateful to the Dean's Circle for supporting our creative community of artists, scholars and educators.
Meet the Dean's Circle >
To learn more about joining the Dean’s Circle and the other ways you can make a transformative gift to Shenandoah Conservatory visit www.su.edu/performs/support or contact:
Shenandoah University Office of Advancement
give@su.edu | (540) 665-4512
Shenandoah University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Friends of the Conservatory
As a Friend of the Conservatory, you designate your support for a specific academic department, student ensemble, high profile guest artist or special initiative. Your gift demonstrates your appreciation for the important role the arts play in our lives and our community.
Join Now >
Shenandoah Conservatory is grateful to the Friends of the Conservatory for supporting our creative community of artists, scholars and educators.
Meet the Friends of the Conservatory >
Contact Shenandoah University's Office of Advancement at (540) 665-4512 or give@su.edu for more information or other ways to give.
Shenandoah University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Accessibility & Reminders
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available across the courtyard in Gregory Hall (approximately 100 feet from the Armstrong Concert Hall lobby). Please notify house management for assistance.
Patrons are requested to silence cell phones and other electronic devices during performances. The taking of photographs and the use of recording equipment are not permitted during performances.
