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Lander Jazz Ensemble’s Spring Concert This Thursday

Cody Beard
Cody Beard, a senior music performance major from Ninety Six, who will perform the trumpet solo during Doc Severinsen's version of "Georgia on my Mind" during Thursday's performance by the Lander University Jazz Ensemble.

Lander University's 26-member Jazz Ensemble will present its Spring Concert this Thursday, April 16, at 8 p.m. in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. The concert, which is free and open to the public, begins at 8 p.m. and will feature the Lander University Dancers and guest vocalist Glynis Martin.

Now living in Columbia, Martin spent many years traveling the world performing as a bass player, backup singer and music director for notable artists including Earl Klugh, George Benson, the Clark Sisters, Universal Nubian Voice and 7 Mile.

Under the direction of Dr. Robert Gardiner, associate professor of music, the Lander Jazz Ensemble will perform Frank Sinatra's versions of "Fly Me to the Moon" and "That's Life," as well as jazz standards "Portrait of Louis Armstrong," "My Funny Valentine" and a host of other selections.

"This will be one of the best musical performances in the area and I encourage everyone in the Greenwood vicinity and beyond to come on out," said Cody Beard, a senior music performance major from Ninety Six, who will perform the trumpet solo during Doc Severinsen's version of "Georgia on My Mind." "Many know Doc as the former leader of NBC's Tonight Show Band, and he is without doubt one of the best trumpet players in the world. I would use the word 'butter' to describe his style of play," said Beard.

Other members of the Lander Jazz Ensemble are:

Saxophones

  • Cameron Davis, Warrenville
  • Will Smith, Bradley
  • Lee McAbee, Anderson
  • Mia Brown, Ninety Six
  • Bryan Keefe, Richmond, Ky.

Trumpets

  • Cody Beard, Ninety Six
  • Brandon Hooven, Moncks Corner
  • Patrick Buchanan, Greenwood
  • Ashley Redden, Lake City
  • Mills Dorn, Edgefield

Trombones

  • Joseph McClain, Lugoff
  • Bob Barfield, Irmo
  • Jakob Spearman, Seneca
  • Josh Parker, Lexington
  • David Gardner, Greenwood
  • Samuel Mhasvi, Harare, Zimbabwe

Rhythm

  • Marcus McPherson, Norwalle, Conn.
  • Brandon Pendergrass, Gray Court
  • James Chabek, Anderson
  • Adam Alberson, Pelzer
  • Christopher Herron, Abbeville
  • Blake Daniel Edens, Easley
  • Russell Johnson, Greenville
  • Carlton Jamison, Columbia
  • Matthew Bratton, Clover

Vocals

  • Patrick Buchanan, Greenwood