The Ohio State Jazz Ensemble performs a unique jazz concert Friday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in Weigel Auditorium. The performance, Con-nec-tions is literally all about creating connections.

“There is a running theme at Ohio State and in the School of Music of trying to connect our students, campus, institution and community,” Kristopher Keith, director, explained, and is how his idea for Con-nec-tions began.

Keith is collaborating with professional dancers from studios in Columbus; band members from Ohio State jazz studies; Greek Life students; the composition and voice areas of the School of Music; Flute Studio; Jazz Club and a local hip-hop group, Mistar Anderson.

To give a little taste of what this collaborative piece of art will look like on stage, Keith described some of the pieces that will be performed.

One will have choreography by Courtney Kelley and Ticia Dillon, with student dancers Nia Gayle and Ciara McGlynn. Three pieces will include vocalists, but most will be pure music.  A final piece titled, “Abstract Image” will focus on physical connections between everyone, tying together the entire theme.

The improv aspect of music had a significant role in the creative process for the show. Keith said a lot of the music was created in the moment, in collaboration with the students. He even created a jazz committee with students to brainstorm and promote the performance.

The event is free and open to the public. No ticket is required. Keith hopes this creation will become an annual performance bringing together campus organizations and the community. 

For more information on this event visit the School of Music.