Western Courier

Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: The Edge

Media Credit: Martyn Davis The WIU Jazz Band played numerous pieces Tuesday night at COFAC.

Jazz music soothed souls in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall as the Western Illinois University Jazz Band performed Tuesday night.

The band took the stage for more than an hour to play eight songs, stopping only once for a brief intermission. Older compositions were mixed with newer ones as the group, directed by assistant professor of music Michael Stryker, played a wide range of songs for a longer period of time than what the band's traditional concert length has been.

"This program was the longest that we've done. It was four tunes, an intermission and four tunes," Stryker said.

"It was at least an hour and 10 minutes worth of music altogether, which is a long time for a big band to play. Generally, it was five or six tunes before. That was probably 45 or 50 minutes worth of music. We stretched it out another 25."

Much of the change in the jazz performances and studies at Western has been applauded by members of the music community on campus. Junior music business major Neal McFarland spoke of the changes being enacted.

"I think the jazz band is heading in a positive direction. It's definitely gotten better over the past couple of years especially with Mr. Stryker coming here three years ago," McFarland said. "(Stryker is) very passionate about teaching and playing music, and he makes a great educator. He makes it easy and fun for kids to learn and play music."

Audience members also welcomed the changes and the increased playing time, commending the band for its performance.

"I love jazz. That's my style of music. That's what I prefer to listen to," said junior law enforcement and justice administration major Eboni Burton. "(The band) did a really good job. I was impressed with them."

"I thought it was great. I thought it was brilliant and excellent," added sophomore music business major Langston Parker.

One thing Stryker said was this extended length was a part of the growing presence of jazz music on campus.

"The WIU jazz studies program is vibrant. It's a growing and vibrant program in a vibrant school of music," he said.

Stryker also added that anyone willing or wishing to join the jazz band does not have to be a music major. They have to know how to play an instrument, have a love for music and try out in the Fall Semester.

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