Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble to Light Up Lenfest Theater

Following their successful debut earlier this semester at Troubles End Brewery, the ensemble is eager to showcase their refined sound in a new setting, offering the audience an evening of jazz that spans multiple styles and eras.

From Brewery to Theater: Refining the Sound

The first performance at Troubles End Brewery allowed the ensemble to connect with a casual, local audience, giving them the opportunity to perform in a more relaxed setting. The move to the Lenfest Theater represents a shift not only in venue but in the level of refinement the ensemble has achieved.

“We’ve really refined our sound since our first show,” says Professor Brian Langdon, director of the ensemble. “We did a ton of work to prepare for Troubles End, and that laid a strong foundation for this upcoming performance. Now, we’ve moved from learning new charts to polishing and perfecting them.”

The time between performances has allowed the musicians to dig deeper into their music, moving from basic rehearsals to more focused sessions on tightening up the technical aspects of the performance. This attention to detail will be on full display at Lenfest, where the ensemble’s growth and hard work will come together for an exciting concert.

Guitarist, Gregory Dervinis and UC Jazz Ensemble performs at Trouble's End Brewing in Collegeville on October 9, 2024.

A Diverse Repertoire

For Professor Langdon, curating the concert’s repertoire is about more than just entertainment—it’s an educational experience for the musicians. “I always try to pick music from various genres of jazz. There is so much literature out there, and I feel like it’s important to play music from all styles to help shape our musicians into well-rounded performers,” he explains.

The upcoming concert will highlight this diversity. Along with classic jazz standards, the setlist includes funk, soul, and even contemporary pieces. One of the standout moments of the night will be the ensemble’s rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish,” a song that Professor Langdon is particularly excited to present. “There’s just so much energy in that song, and I absolutely love it. It’s going to be a lot of fun to perform,” he says.

Additionally, the concert will feature vocal performances on iconic songs such as “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” and Adele’s “Skyfall,” which will showcase the range and versatility of the group’s vocalists.

Performing at Lenfest: A Special Venue

While the brewery offered a casual and intimate atmosphere, Lenfest Theater brings its own set of unique advantages. Known for its excellent acoustics and beautiful design, the theater offers an ideal space for the ensemble to truly shine.

“Lenfest is gorgeous,” Professor Langdon remarks. “The acoustics truly complement the jazz genre, and even though it’s a large space, it creates an intimate atmosphere between the performers and the audience.”

The ensemble is looking forward to making full use of the theater’s layout and sound capabilities, bringing a richer and more immersive experience to their audience compared to the brewery setting. The energy and interaction between performers and listeners, a hallmark of live jazz, will be amplified by this professional venue.

Preparation and Breakthrough Moments

The weeks of rehearsals leading up to the concert have been a time of growth for the ensemble, filled with key breakthroughs and memorable moments. One of those moments came during a rehearsal focused on the funk grooves that are part of several of the ensemble’s charts.

“Last night’s rehearsal was a breakthrough for us,” Professor Langdon shares. “We really started to click, especially on the funk grooves in some of our charts. Everyone was dialed in, and that kind of preparation creates a really special atmosphere.”

This breakthrough is a testament to the dedication and focus the ensemble has brought to their preparation. Moving from learning to performing involves countless hours of practice and refining, and the students’ commitment to improving their sound has been evident in each rehearsal.

Joyful Music and Audience Connection

Above all, the November 9th performance is about creating a joyful experience for both the performers and the audience. Jazz is a genre that thrives on energy and connection, and this concert is poised to be a celebration of those elements.

“I really hope the audience feels the energy we’re putting into this. We want them to have a fun, relaxed night of great music,” Professor Langdon says. “It’s going to be a ton of fun for us to perform, and I hope they feel that energy and share in the enjoyment.”

With an engaging setlist, vibrant solos, and lively rhythms, the Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble is ready to invite their audience into the world of jazz, creating a night to remember.

A Dedicated Ensemble

The success of the ensemble’s performances is no accident. Behind the scenes, students have been putting in the work, from additional practice hours to collaboration in and out of rehearsals. Professor Langdon highlights the students’ dedication as a key factor in the ensemble’s continued improvement.

“They come in for extra help, they practice before and after rehearsals, and they’re working together to create the best product possible,” he explains. “It takes a lot of organization, especially with a large rhythm section, but this group has really stepped up.”

This dedication will be on full display at Lenfest, as the ensemble combines talent, hard work, and passion to deliver a performance filled with energy, joy, and the rich, complex sounds of jazz.