Community Arts Academy Music Students Perform with Eleventet: March 1

Two dozen middle- and high school-students participating in Buffalo State’s Community Arts Academy (CAA) will have the chance to perform with a professional ensemble on Tuesday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall at Rockwell Hall.

The 24 students from throughout Erie and Niagara counties are enrolled in a CAA Sunday afternoon jazz workshop with Mark Filsinger, assistant professor of music. He invited the students to perform a few selections at the beginning of a concert of his jazz ensemble, Eleventet, which features 11 Buffalo musicians.

“Seeing live jazz concerts is an important aspect of learning, and this concert will provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn from some of Buffalo’s best musicians,” said Filsinger.

Eleventet, which plays original compositions and arrangements, presented its inaugural performance last March in the Ciminelli Recital Hall and Filsinger said he views this performance as a kind of one-year anniversary celebration.

“The mid-sized ensemble combines the excitement and power of a big band with the creative and improvisational aspects of a jazz quartet,” he explained. “They include fast bebop lines, beautiful melodies, ensemble shout choruses, and plenty of space for improvisers to stretch out and amaze audiences.”

Eleventet members have collectively performed, toured, and recorded throughout the world with groups led by jazz luminaries such as Dave Brubeck, Doc Severinson, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Maynard Fergusen, Bill Holman, and Don Menza. 

Tickets to the March 1 performance are $10. Students with ID are admitted for free but must obtain a ticket through the Rockwell Hall Box Office.

Call (716) 878-3005 for tickets or purchase them online at music.buffalostate.edu.