Marching band performs at Ilfeld

Ilfeld Auditorium will resonate with the spirited music of the NMHU Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble in a concert on Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Featured pieces include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Conquistador,” and big band arrangements “Quintado” and “The Heat’s On.”

“Winter concerts allow us to increase our level musicianship,” said Edward Harrington, professor of bands at Highlands Music Department. “Performing outdoors in a noisy environment presents its own challenges. The concert setting gives us the opportunity to concentrate on more artistic details.”

Harrington came to Highlands in the fall of 2006, where he only had only a handful of band students. Since then, he has increased enrollment by 100 percent. Harrington started the Drum Corps, built the marching band, and expanded the jazz ensemble to a mix of students and professionals. “A central feature of jazz is improvisation,” Harrington explains, “where most of the music is written out, but soloists make up their melodies on the spot.” Harrington’s goal is to create a student-oriented jazz combo.

Included in the program is a feature number, Salute to Freedom. This piece is dedicated to those who have served our country.

General admission is $8 and $5 for senior citizens, HU faculty, and staff. Students with valid I.D. will be admitted free.