The Cleveland State University BIG Band opened its first concert season Oct. 5 with a performance at Drinko Recital Hall, featuring student musicians and a variety of jazz styles ranging from swing to soul to mambo and New Orleans jazz. 

The ensemble, made up of students from the CSU School of Music, is directed by Grammy-nominated CSU alumnus Joe Miller.

The band performed seven pieces for a total of one hour, ranging from model, soul, mambo, and New Orleans style jazz, with many improvised solos featuring a variety of students. The set list was Groovin’ Hard, So What, Ran Kan Kan, Maidan Voyage, Dat Dere, Greasy Sack Blues, and Little Big Gumbo.

Featured soloists included Tamier Saleem-Peoples on the trumpet, Nate Collins playing alto saxophone, Eddie Manning on tenor sax, Lily Filippelli on the baritone saxophone, Alex Washington on the vibraphone, Cooper Sanders on the drums, Max Schlex on the alto saxophone, and Alex Degross on the guitar. 

Several students played instruments less commonly seen in a classic jazz band. They included double bass player Cian Liaskos, trombonist Grace Beatty on the tuba, a flute accompaniment, played by Schlenk, and Jonathan Menelka on the clarinet.

Ran Kan Kan and Dat Dere showcased student vocalists Makhi Dawson and Oliver Boyette, who is a first time member of the BIG band, primarily playing the tenor sax. Dawson also showed off his scat singing in addition to his solo piece.

Trombone player, Kayla Selan, was a featured student conductor for Maidan Voyage. Selan also recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, discussing her path as a young conductor.

The BIG band does not have listed performances scheduled, but the affiliated CSU Jazz Department, as well as the CSU School of Music Facebook pages post upcoming events. 

Dawson and Boyette can also be seen performing as part of the CSU Vocal Theater Workshop production, Dido and Aeneas, from Nov. 16-21. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.