The Ashland University Jazz Orchestra has played at a variety of unique venues- including Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Tonight, they’ll be playing in the Eagle’s Nest.

Director Scott Garlock has picked an incredible selection of songs for their upcoming performance, which will start at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Hannah Phillips, a senior Music Education major, is not only the president of the jazz orchestra, but she is also the music librarian as well. Her instrument of choice is the trumpet; she has been involved for all four years of college. She began playing the trumpet when she was in the fifth grade. Phillips acknowledged how the phrase “practice makes perfect” holds true when one is attempting to learn an instrument.

“Every musician is constantly striving to be better in some aspect of their playing,” Phillips said. “As a musician, you can never reach a point where you become perfect; musicians are constantly learning and bettering themselves.”

Fatima Imani Smith, a senior Music Performance major, is a jazz vocalist in the orchestra. Initially, Smith started out as a trombonist for the orchestra, but then became a vocalist by that next year.

Singing has been a passion of Smith’s ever since her senior year of high school, when she first discovered her hidden talent. Smith will be singing two pieces at the Eagles Nest; one of those pieces is called “Easy to Love,” which she is extremely excited about.      

Tyler McFarland, a sophomore Biology major, plays the trumpet. He has been involved with the orchestra for two years. Similar to Phillips, he has been playing the trumpet since the fifth grade as well. He acknowledged how incredibly blessed he feels having the opportunity to play for individuals and being able to share his passion for music. He also hopes to continue playing after college.

“God gave me a gift to play my trumpet, and I thoroughly enjoy playing for Him,” McFarland said. It is a super awesome feeling after a concert, knowing that I have just played for a whole crowd of people.”

Smith said he loves how powerful music can ultimately bring people together to create a wonderful harmony.

“What is so amazing about jazz, is the freedom and creativity it draws out of the performers; it challenges us to be individuals and work as a team to create beautiful music,” Smith said.

Phillips received a few awards throughout her numerous years of playing the trumpet and has had the privilege of showcasing her talent outside of the AUJO. She has won the “Most Improved Music Major Award,” and the “Outstanding New Member Jazz Orchestra Award.” Phillips has also played with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra and in the Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association OPCICA, Honor Band as well. She described her favorite part about performing in front of an audience.

“That is the beauty of jazz music; to an extent, it is unpredictable and thrilling, because you never know what someone will play in their improvisation solo or how that will affect the ensemble and the audience,” Phillips said.

McFarland noted how playing the trumpet for the past decade has really allowed him to grow as a musician and learn a lot; he even managed to tackle challenges he never fathomed possible.

“I have learned new techniques and have become an overall better trumpet player,” McFarland said. “Especially in the realm of improvisation.”

During spring break this year, the jazz orchestra will pack their bags and travel across the globe to perform in Spain. If one is interested in donating, visit https://www.gofundme.com/pot9yk or, one can contact Garlock for more information.