FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2007

Contact: K.E. Schwab 

724-738-2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU Jazz Combo debuts CD featuring student compositions

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Ten original jazz composition written by Slippery Rock University’s Jazz Combo 1 musicians make up the group’s first “One in Seven” CD. The CD will be release following the combo’s March 22 Swope Music Hall concert.

           The free, 7:30 p.m. concert is under the direction of Terry Steele, associate professor of music.

           Steele said that during a December performance tour of Pittsburgh high schools, “We realized we had been very productive in terms of writing new composition, so we decided a CD would be in order. We recorded the CD during two days in February at a state-of-the-art digital studio in West Mifflin. We are excited to be releasing our first CD of original compositions at our upcoming concert.” 

           “Every person in the group contributed original compositions to the CD, and the music is played with proficiency, which brings out the wonderful character of these pieces. Each selection has a unique personality that is generated not only by the person who wrote it, but by the influence and musical talents of the group,” Steele said.

           The new selections include “Birthday Bop,” written by Justin Chesarek, the group’s drummer from Renfrew, “The Nino,” written by Nick Deutsch, trombonist from Pittsburgh, “Come ’n Dawg,” written by Sam Eisenreich, saxophonist from Cranberry Township, and “Pineapple Fudge,” written by Ellen Gross, the group’s pianist from Emmaus.

           The seven-member combo, which performs more than 20 times per year, mostly at off-campus locations, was showcased at SRU’s presidential investiture of Dr. Robert Smith and at the statewide meeting of trustees for all 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

           Also featured on the CD are Will Weltman from New Castle on trumpet, John Anthony from New Castle on guitar, and Scott Dawson from Pittsburgh on bass. All seven combo members major in music education or music therapy.

           The CD, available at the Swope concert and the SGA Bookstore in the University Union after the event, is $10.

           Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

PN, PGN, WPN, PR