LU Jazz Singers to appear with Roger Treece in concert

Lamar University’s Cardinal Jazz Singers will appear in concert with guest artist Roger Treece at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, in the Rothwell Recital Hall. The concert will feature music by Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, George Shearing, Rodgers and Hammerstein and more, as well as a demonstration of circle singing, a spontaneous community-singing experience in which the audience may take part. Admission is free.

“We continue our focus on vocal jazz as an art form, and this year we are thrilled to have Roger Treece join us as guest artist,” said Rebecca Windham, director of the Cardinal Jazz Singers and an instructor in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. “Roger will share his wonderful skill for improvisation and his concept of ‘CircleSongs,’ which integrates composition, arranging, teaching and conducting with a terrific component of audience participation.”

Treece is a composer, producer and singer who creates music that combines classical elements with jazz, funk, gospel and world music. Among other accolades, he received critical acclaim for his work with Bobby McFerrin on the album “VOCAbuLarieS,” which was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including best classical crossover album. He is the author of the book “CircleSongs: The Method.”

“The concert will be a fun evening of music, with a little something for everyone,” said Windham. “The audience can expect to hear from the group as an ensemble as well as from solo vocalists all supported by live musicians.”

During his visit to LU, Treece will also give master classes April 27 at 11:30 a.m. and April 28 at 12:45 p.m. in the music department’s rehearsal hall. These classes are free and open to all LU students and the public.

For more information about the concert or master classes, contact the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at 409-880-8144, or e-mail Rebecca Windham at [email protected].