"An Evening of Jazz" concert at Niles West High School

On Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 pm the Niles West Music Parents Association presents “An Evening of Jazz” at the Robert L. Johnson Auditorium at Niles West High School featuring the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble with Bob Lark.  Dr. Lark serves as the Director of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, where he directs the University Jazz Ensemble and the Phil Woods Ensemble, teaches jazz trumpet and courses in jazz study.  Under his direction the DePaul University Jazz Ensemble has produced several Outstanding Performance Awards from the Jazz Educators Journal, Down Beat and Jazz Times magazines, recorded albums with many legendary jazz artists, and performed at national and international conferences and venues.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Lark an active clinician, soloist, guest conductor, and recording artist.  He’s released several successful, critically acclaimed recordings on the Jazzed Media label.  He plays trumpet and flugelhorn, and his performances are notable for their lyrical style and fine tone. His harmonically oriented improvisations shift between aggressive and cool playing.  In speaking of Lark, jazz icon Clark Terry says, “He’s a very good trumpet player, a very good musician.  He’s paid his dues.”  He is a member of the Jazz Education Network, the past-president of the Illinois Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas. 

“An Evening of Jazz” will feature traditional jazz standards as well as popular hits and some original student compositions by the talented DePaul students and director.  Niles West student ensembles Pop n’Rock, Echo Effect men's a cappella*, and the Niles West Jazz Band will also be performing.  The Fine Arts Director of High School District 219, Mary Jo Papich, will be Master of Ceremonies for the concert.  Niles West High School is located at 5701 West Oakton Avenue, Skokie.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and will be available for purchase at the door.  Proceeds from the concert will benefit the music programs at Niles West.  For information email nweveningofjazz@gmail.com.

*Echo Effect just won the International Championships of High School A cappella Semifinal and are headed to the ICHSA National Finals held in New York!  Come check them out - their energetic humor, versatile choreography, and diverse personalities combine to create a fresh and entertaining A Capella performance you will not soon forget!