Matthew Niess, director

Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Armstrong Concert Hall
Shenandoah Conservatory

The Intimacy of the Blues

Billy Strayhorn
Arranged by Tommy Newsom

West Side Story Medley

Leonard Bernstein
Arranged by Bill Reddie
As recorded by Buddy Rich

Shades of Blue

Craig Fraedrich

Bill Bailey

Hugo Cannon
Arranged by Tom Kubis

Selections from The Wizard of Oz

Harold Arlen
Arranged by Phil Wilson and Alan Baylock

It’s Only a Paper Moon

Harold Arlen 
Arranged by Ella Fitzgerald

On the Sunny Side of the Street

James Francis McHugh
Arranged by Mark Taylor

Bewitched

Rodgers and Hart
Arranged by Mark Taylor

Gimme, Gimme

Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan
Arranged by Vince Norman

My Favorite Things

Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II
Arranged by Matthew Niess

Vocalist

Savannah Stevens

Saxophones

Adam Dockins
Eleanor Long
Alex Kilkus
Spencer Cook
Nicole O'Donnell

Trumpet

Tyler Makowiecki
William Gentle
Ethan Benstock
Imer Ramirez
Rebecca Quiroga
Alexander Ferrari
Alexander Glenn
Isabell Hallberg 

Trombone

Kendall Parton
Ian Elick
Brenna Patterson
Bass Trombone
Dereck Jenkins
Brandon DuBritton 

Keyboards

Luke Demers

Bass Guitar

Julianne Carr

Drum Set

Brandon Divitta
Martin Bernstein

In March 2026, Shenandoah Conservatory’s Commercial Rock Ensemble and Studio Big Band performed as part of the American Jazz Showcase and represented 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.