MARSHFIELD – “The Spring Concert,” an annual tradition at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, will be presented by the campus’ Music Department at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, in the Helen Connor Laird Theatre.

The concert will feature the college’s Concert Choir, Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.  The vocal groups are under the direction of Kathy Pearson.  The Jazz Ensemble is conducted by Dr. David De Lyser, assistant professor of music.

“I think we’ve put together a great program of up-tempo charts and ballads that will appeal to everyone,” De Lyser said of the jazz portion of the program. “You’ll hear everything from Benny Goodman to John Coltrane to contemporary jump swing.”

Jesse Warren, Marshfield, and a first-year student at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, said the vocal portion of the concert offers a lot of musical variety, featuring soloists and a small vocal ensemble in addition to the full choir. Selections include Broadway, traditional American and jazz favorites, spirituals and madrigals.

“The spirituals are my favorites,” Warren said. “We do a great job on those pieces.  I enjoy the historical aspect that the spirituals bring to the concert.”

Matt Thompson, Marshfield, also a first-year student at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, said the choir is singing more pieces for this concert than it did for the holiday concert last November.

“And there are more a cappella pieces – more than Mrs. Pearson has ever done before,” Thompson said. “They require us to listen to one another more carefully since we don’t have a piano to rely on.”

De Lyser said the Jazz Band and Vocal Ensemble will team up on “Moonlight Serenade,” co-written and made famous by Glenn Miller.

“I didn’t even know there were words to it,” Thompson said. “I’ve only heard instrumental versions.  This brings a unique perspective to the piece.”

Tickets for “The Spring Concert” are $5. The Campus Box Office is open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances.  Tickets can be ordered by calling 389-6534.  VISA, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. All seating is reserved.  Tickets are non-refundable.

About “Music @ The Wood”

The Concert Choir is composed of UW-Marshfield/Wood County students.  The group performs a variety of choral music and puts on two concerts a year.