Professor of music Dr. Thomas Reed, and Ashland native, Kevin Jones will be performing in the annual faculty music recital, which will take place on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizbeth Pastor Hall located in the Center for the Arts building.

Thomas Reed said that his passion for music came from his parents listening to classical music when he was a child. From there, he grew a passion for it.

As he joined the school band in fifth grade, he played the saxophone and instantly fell in love with the sound. After the introduction to the woodwind instrument, he began playing the clarinet when he was around 12-years old.

To this day he is still playing the clarinet.

As for Jones, he began formal musical training at the young age of four. After preparatory and high school musical training in Ashland, he found himself engulfed in a passion for music and performing.

Jones also accomplished the title of post of musical director conductor of the New York City Gilbert and Sullivan ensemble.

This year marks 35-years of the annual faculty concert at Ashland University. Reed and Jones will be performing a program of classical music pieces from different eras, like: classical, romantic and 20th century.

“I look for a variety of pieces and composers that fit well together,” Reed said.

Reed aimed to pick composers that he believes will be engaging to the audience. It will include “Cantilene” by Louis Cahuzac, Gordon Jacob’s four movement arrangement of “Tartini’s Concertino” and “Paquito D’Rivera.”

After intermission, they both will return to the stage for Carl Maria von Weber’s “Grand Duo Concertante.”

“As someone who teaches music performance, I should practice what I preach,” Reed said. “Sharing great music with an audience is a pleasure to me, and continuing to perform keeps me sharp and provides a challenge to work toward.”

Reed expressed his excitement to be performing alongside Kevin Jones for this recital.

“I very much enjoy playing beautiful music, and I enjoy the interaction with other musicians— in this case, a terrific pianist, Kevin Jones,” Reed said.