All that jazz, and more: UAH holiday program to showcase music, theatre, film

Julie Janson

With Christmas just a couple weeks away, the University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Music, Theatre & Film will herald in the season with its annual Holiday Jazz program.

The event will feature faculty and student jazz music, as well as holiday scenes from UAH Theatre. (Michael Mercier/UAH).

“This event will feature more than jazz,” said Dr. Joshua Burel, department chair and associate professor of music theory and composition at UAH. “This year’s concert will feature more student performances and holiday scenes from UAH Theatre.”

The program opens 6 p.m. Tuesday at the UAH Student Services Building with a cocktail reception; the concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 each and are available online.

“We are looking to create a warm and festive nightclub atmosphere that highlights all of the different aspects of our department,” said David Harwell, UAH Theatre professor. “It’s a great opportunity to take a moment to gather for delicious food and drinks while enjoying the numerous talents of our UAH community.”

Bassist Nick Walker at UAH Holiday Jazz in 2023. (Michael Mercier/UAH).

Highlights of the event include faculty and student jazz music led by guitarist Josh Couts and bassist Nick Walker. Dr. Melody Ng will direct a holiday piece for Piano Six-Hands, and students from the UAH Wind Ensemble will perform a brass fanfare under the supervision of Dr. Jack Hontz.

Dr. Matthew Carey will conduct the UAH Chamber Choir in some holiday choral favorites, and Dr. Amalia Osuga and her students will perform in a women’s vocal quintet.

Additionally, UAH Theatre will perform the first scene of “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” by Lauren Gunderson, featuring students of Prof. Amy Guerin.

A cocktail hour preceding the concert will feature holiday music by UAH piano students, coordinated by Ng.

Courtesy of 256 Today