ES
Erick Smith
  • Music and Business Information Systems
  • Manchester, CT

Eastern Student Erick Smith of Manchester Performs in Inaugural Concert in New Fine Arts Building

2016 Mar 17

Earlier in the Spring Semester the Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University presented the first concert held in Eastern's new state-of-the art Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC). The historical concert, comprised of Eastern students, faculty, staff and local community members, was one of the first to combine nearly every vocal and instrumental ensemble, making it a truly collaborative performance.

Among the performers was Erick Smith '19 of Manchester, who performs in the Eastern Jazz Ensemble. Smith majors in Music.

The Eastern Jazz Ensemble is open to any student across campus who plays traditional Jazz Band instruments. This ensemble is a traditional Big Band that plays music from a wide variety of styles and eras in the jazz idiom, focusing on traditional jazz composers, but also contemporary and up-and-coming composers as well. The ensemble provided fifteen minutes of entertainment during the concerts intermission.

"The FAIC is a phenomenal space and it makes students even more excited to perform than ever," said Dr. Stacy Dziuk, conductor of Eastern Concert Band, Eastern Wind Ensemble and Eastern Jazz Ensemble. "The students had so much fun and that excitement really translated into their performance."

The Music Program at Eastern supports a variety of musical ensembles, small and large, classical and non-classical. Eastern's ensembles are open to all Eastern students, regardless of major, symbolizing the liberal arts mission of Eastern. Eastern Concert Chorale, Concert Band, Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble, Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, Opera Workshop and Percussion Ensemble all performed in the memorable concert.

Now housed in the new FAIC, the Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will continue to provide theoretical and experiential opportunities which emphasize the history, theory and performance of music. All ensemble concerts are free and open to the public!