Two Wells School of Music Ensembles Selected to Perform at Prestigious Music Conference
The West Chester University Wind Ensemble and the Criterions Jazz Ensemble have both been tapped to perform at the 2022 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Annual In-Service Conference from April 6 – 9 at Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor, PA.
Chair of the Department of Ensembles and Conducting at West Chester University Andrew Yozviak says, “The honor of performing at the PMEA Conference is a distinctive one. It is a testament to our programs, faculty, and students that of only three University instrumental ensembles chosen to perform, West Chester University snagged two of the three slots. The PMEA Conference attracts educators from schools throughout the Commonwealth, and we have the fortunate opportunity to introduce and showcase two of our premier ensembles to this audience.”
Under the direction of Yozviak, WCU’s Wind Ensemble will perform on April 7 at 3 p.m. with a program that includes Downey Overture by Oscar Navarro, Fascinating Ribbons by Joan Tower, Grieg’s Funeral March, Chiche for Wind Ensemble by Chang Su Koh, and A Colour Symphony by Philip Sparke.
The Criterions Jazz Ensemble performs on April 8 at 2:30 p.m. in a program that will
feature professional jazz guest artists David Liebman and Alex LoRe, both on saxophone.
Under the direction of Jonathan Ragonese, the ensemble will perform two of Liebman’s
original compositions, New Breed and Turn It Around, as well as In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington, and My Favorite Things by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
The West Chester University Wind Ensemble features 45 of the finest wind and percussion students from the Wells School of Music, both graduate and undergraduate, and is one of four symphonic wind bands sponsored by the University. Members are chosen through an audition process.
The Criterions Jazz Ensemble is a long-held tradition at West Chester University. Originating in the 1920s, they were a student-led ballroom dance band. Known as the “Crites,” they became a Faculty-led Jazz Ensemble by the early 1980’s when the School of Music began Jazz curricula. They are known for their mastery of American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century.
PMEA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting quality music education, learning, and performance in schools and communities throughout Pennsylvania. They host dozens of student concerts and conferences each year at both the district and the state level.