Troy University’s Frequency vocal jazz ensemble to perform Tuesday
Published 8:18 pm Thursday, April 18, 2019
The Troy University vocal jazz ensemble frequency, will celebrate 10 years with its spring performance at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Long Hall on the university campus.
“It’s hard to believe that 10 years has come and gone,” said Dr. Diane Orlofsky, frequency director. “When I started the group, my hope was that it would take root and fill a niche. I never imagined how vital this group would become in recruiting prospective students.”
Orlofsky said there is something special about working with ensemble vocal jazz.
“Working with frequency through these 10 years has been a blast,” she said, adding that Tuesday’s concert will be extra special, because it is a milestone year for the vocal jazz ensemble.
“I love all the music we are performing, but there is something very special about hearing recognizable jazz standards masterfully arranged for a mixed jazz ensemble,” Orlofsky said. “For example, the students will be singing a Darmon Meader arrangement of George and Ira Gershwin’s tune from the late 30’s, ‘Love is Here to Stay,’ written for the movie, ‘The Goldwyn Follies.’”
Another tune is from a 1960’s musical, “Flora, The Red Menace,” originally sung by Liza Minelli that Dave Barduhn has faithfully arranged for mixed jazz ensemble, keeping true to the poignancy of the original ballad,” Orlofsky said.
“This is why I love ensemble vocal jazz – the possibilities for re-discovering old standards are endless!”
Orlofsky said a couple of tunes have been reprised for the spring concert that were included on frequency’s 2011 “Fields of Gold” CD along with an exciting piece from 2013 that will feature members of POPulus on vocal percussion.
“Audience members who prefer our traditional ballads and jazz standards will not be disappointed and neither will those who prefer contemporary vocal jazz covers,” she said. “I have tried to offer something for everyone. I hope we pack the house for this event. These vocalists deserve to be heard.”
The frequency concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Long Hall is free and open to the public.