Matthew Niess, director

Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory

This Could Be the Start of Something Big

Composed by Steve Allen
Arranged by Quincy Jones

Star Spangled Banner

Composed by Francis Scott Key
Arranged by Bob Curnow

Air Mail Special

Composed by Benny Goodman
Arranged by John Bambridge

I Thought about You

Composed by Jimmy Van Heusen
Arranged by Matt Niess

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Composed by Howe & Steffe
Arranged by Mike Kamuf

Wichita Lineman

Composed by Jimmy Webb
Arranged by Frank Mantooth

Wade Parton, trombone

Shades of Blue

Composed by Craig Fraedrich

Craig Fraedrich, trumpet

American Trilogy

As recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra 
Arranged by Bob Curnow

Rebecca Quiroga, trumpet

Concerto for Cootie

As recorded by Duke Ellington

MU1 Caeley Jackson, trumpet

Boy Meets Horn

Composed by Duke Ellington

MU1 Caeley Jackson, trumpet

Voice

Blake Barnicle

Alto Saxophone

Adam Dockins
Ellie Long

Tenor Saxophone

Spencer Cook
Luca Sabatino

Baritone Saxophone

Nicole O'Donnell

Trumpet

Ethan Benstock
Will Gentle
Jeremiah Johnson
Tyler Makowiecki
Rebecca Quiroga

Trombone

Ian Elick
Derrick Jenkins
Wade Parton

Bass Trombone

Brandon DuBritton
Jackson Smith

Piano

Luke Demers

Bass

Julianne Carr

Drum Set

Martin Bernstein
Brandon Divita

In March 2026, Shenandoah Conservatory’s Commercial Rock Ensemble and Studio Big Band will perform as part of the American Jazz Showcase and represent the United States on stages across Madrid, Granada, Sevilla, Lisbon and Leiria, sharing the sound of American jazz and commercial music with international audiences.

Presented by Edeta Arts, the American Jazz Showcase is an annual celebration featuring some of America’s finest university jazz programs. Performances are organized in partnership with local cultural departments and music associations throughout Spain and Portugal.

Support the Tour!

Support our student musicians as they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime cultural and performance tour. Make a donation using the link below — every contribution goes directly toward student travel expenses.

Donate Now >

Your generosity helps make this unforgettable educational and artistic experience possible. Thank you for supporting the next generation of American jazz artists!

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.

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.

Join Now >

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.

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.

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.