Matthew Niess, director

Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory

Strike Up the Band

Ira Gershwin & George Gershwin
Arranged by Sammy Nestico
As recorded by Count Basie

Love for Sale

Cole Porter
Arranged by Pete Myers
As recorded by Buddy Rich

My Funny Valentine

Richard Rogers
Arranged by Dave Barduhn
As recorded by Stan Kenton

Secret Love

Paul Webster & Sammy Fain
Arranged by Frank Mantooth
As recorded by Ashley Alexander

MacArthur Park

Jimmy Webb
Arranged by Adrian Drover
As recorded by Maynard Furguson

Tyler Makowiecki, trumpet soloist

I Loves You Porgy

Ira Gershwin & George Gershwin
Arranged by Bill Potts
As recorded by Bill Potts

After You’ve Gone

Turner Layton & Henry Creamer
Arranged by Bill Holman
As recorded by Bill Homan

Fever

Eddie Cooley & Otis Blackwell
As recorded by Peggy Lee

Crazy

Willie Nelson
Arranged by Gene Thorn
As recorded by Patsy Kline

Hey Big Spender

Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields
Arranged by Vince Norman
As recorded by Peggy Lee

Besame Mucho

Consuelo Valazquez
As recorded by Diane Shur & Maynard Furguson

Midnight Train to Georgia

Jim Weatherly
Arranged by Vince Norman
As recorded by Gladys Knight

Power of Love

Huey Lewis & the News
Commissioned by Steven Spielberg for the film Back to the Future

Mati Ford, voice
Izzy Bock, voice
Blake Barnicle, voice
Adam Dockins, alto saxophone
Ellie Long, alto saxophone
Alex Kilkus, tenor saxophone
Spencer Cook, tenor saxophone
Nicole O'Donnell, baritone saxophone
Tyler Makowiecki, trumpet
Will Gentle, trumpet
Ethan Benstock, trumpet
Imer Ramirez, trumpet
Rebecca Quiroga, trumpet
Wade Parton, trombone
Ian Elick, trombone
Brenda Patterson, trombone
Derrick Jenkins, bass trombone
Brandon DuBritton, bass trombone
Luke Demers, piano
Julianne Carr, bass
Brandon Divita, drum set
Martin Bernstein, drum set

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.

nkoda

Some performances at Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University feature digital scores accessed through nkoda, the world’s premier digital sheet music platform. Visit nkoda.com to learn more.