News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 11/5/02 Click on image for publication quality photo  JAZZ BEAT – Drummer Ian Perkins of Hammond, a member of the Southeastern Louisiana University Jazz Combo, performs with the eight-member group at a recent concert at the university’s new Performance Circle. The jazz combo, directed by Allen Zurcher, will perform at the Pottle Music Building Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on November 15. The concert is free. JAZZ CONCERT COMING UP AT POTTLE       HAMMOND -- Jazz enthusiasts recently got a sneak preview of the musical talents of Southeastern Louisiana University’s jazz combo as they performed some informal tunes at noon to christen the “Performance Circle,” the university’s new outdoor stage adjacent to the Pottle Music Building.       Now, they can hear the eight-member group in concert, when the combo presents its first formal performance of the 2002-2003 season on November 15.       The free concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Pottle Music Building Auditorium, will be a Southeastern debut for Department of Music and Dramatic Arts professor Allen Zurcher, who directs the jazz combo and the larger Southeastern Jazz Ensemble.        Zurcher joined the faculty as professor of saxophone and jazz studies in August, coming to Southeastern from the University of Northern Colorado where he is completing his doctoral degree. He also has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and Youngstown State University, respectively.       Zurcher said the November 15 jazz combo concert will be a potpourri of works, including Gospel-influenced jazz, blues, and original compositions by combo members.        Composing a jazz piece was a class assignment for the eight jazz combo members: Lacy Blackledge of Stringer, Miss., trumpet; Brad Salley of Ellisville, Miss., and Brandon Skalican of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, alto saxophone; Emmanuel Seals of Fairhope, Ala., tenor saxophone; Vasil Cvetkov of Burgas, Bulgaria, piano; Wilson Marks of Boerne, Texas, guitar; and Aaron Perkins of Hammond, base; and Ian Perkins of Hammond, drums.        Composing “is part of learning about the creative process,” said Zurcher. “It teaches students about form and music, writing interesting melodies, good harmonic progression, and how all of this relates to creating an interesting piece of music.”       He admits that students are often intimidated by a composition assignment. “The initial reaction is ‘Oh, no!’” he said. “But once they start doing it, they get excited about it. It’s extremely difficult, but I was there to push and prod them along.       “I’ve gotten to know the students very well,” he said, “and it’s interesting how you can hear their personalities in the pieces they wrote.”  Zurcher has chosen the three works by Seals, Cvetkov and Marks for the combo’s concert.       “I think they came out well,” he said of the compositions. “I believe, too, that this is the first time in a while that the jazz combo has performed original compositions by students.” Before joining Southeastern’s music faculty, Zurcher won several honors and awards, including the 2000 “Downbeat Magazine” Award for best Blues/Pop/Rock Instrumental Group. As the first alto saxophonist with University of Northern Colorado Jazz Lab, he was invited to perform at the 2000 International Association of Jazz Education festival in New Orleans. At Youngstown State University, he won the 1984 YSU Concerto/Aria Competition with his performance of Ibert’s “Concertino da Camera.” He also was awarded the Esther Allen Estock Award for excellence in the performance of classical music and academic achievement from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.       Zurcher’s career as a performer has included performances with Clark Terry, Don Menza, Vic De Mon, Dianne Carroll, Tommy Tune, The Manhattan Rhythm Kings, The Manhattan Transfer, Conrad Herwig and Brian Lynch.  In addition to maintaining an active freelance career, he has been a regular saxophonist with the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra and the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. His discography includes “Alive XVII: For the Last Time” with the UNC Jazz Lab I (UNC Jazz Press) and “Waiting In the Alley” with Andy Nevala (Joe’s Grill Records).       For additional information about the jazz combo concert and Southeastern’s jazz studies program, contact Zurcher at 985-549-5938 or azurcher@selu.edu. Return to News Releases