ASHLAND — Coming off a trip to Spain and the Maplerock Jazz Festival, Ashland University’s Jazz Orchestra has a particularly strong bond this year, according to its director, Dr. Scott Garlock.
“Any time I have a year where I take them overseas, they really bond together and play especially well,” said Garlock, an Ashland University professor.
The Jazz Orchestra’s talent this year will be on display for the community via a concert at First Christian Church April 1.
The concert, put on by the Big Bands and All That Jazz Society, features pieces from the 1930s forward, Garlock said.
Big Bands and All That Jazz Society, a local group, started 36 years ago, according to its website. It brings bands and groups to the Ashland area for performances, which typically take place the first Monday of the month.
Garlock said from his understanding, the group grew out of a desire to foster jazz programming in Ashland. It’s a mission he finds important, as music is a valuable part of culture in his eyes.
Garlock added he thinks it’s good for his students to have opportunities to play for different audiences, and to connect with Ashland beyond the university campus.
He said it can be easy for there to be mistrust fostered between college students and townspeople.
“Not everyone has these ideas, of course, but it’s a thing,” Garlock said. “So, it’s good to have those opportunities to mix.”
The April 1 concert at First Christian Church (1425 King Rd.) will be at 7 p.m. Garlock said to expect around 90 minutes worth of music. Admission to the concert is free.
