Top tunes from the Big Band

Feb 15 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THERE’S a chance to catch top tunes from the last 70-odd years when Huddersfield University Big Band play at the town’s Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday, February 23.

The first half will consist of music from the 30s to the 60s, with the second showcasing more modern approaches by composers and arrangers.

Pieces featured will include Count Basie’s Jumpin’ at the Woodside, Duke Ellington’s Portrait of Louis Armstrong, Buddy Rich’s Big Swing Face and Van Halen’s Jump!

It promises to be a great evening for what will be the band’s only appearance at the LBT this year.

Anyone in the university can audition for a place in the band, but preference is given to those studying performance on their main instrument.

The musicians give three concerts a year in the university as well as external engagements and an end-of-year tour under director Sean Miller.

He graduated from the university in 1998 and now works as a performer, band leader, composer and teacher.

As well as conducting Huddersfield University Big Band, he also directs the City of Hull Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Michael Paver will sing a couple of great big band classics at the LBT and virtuoso jazz trumpet player Mark Chandler will be joining the band for the night.

He will feature in the second half playing his flugel horn on Bob Florence’s classic, Tell Your Story, as well as trumpet on his tribute to the late Clifford Brown.

The show is on the main stage at 7.30pm and tickets are £12 (£10 concessions).