The concert will feature several MSU music professors, and include performances by the MSU Wind Symphony, the One O’clock Jazz Band and the Spirit of the West marching band.
The concert will help to raise money for the band program, which is celebrating a number of achievements in the coming year:
The MSU Wind Symphony will be performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as one of only four bands in the country to be invited to the Sousa Band Festival; The Spirit of the West marching band, now at its largest size in its history, will premiere new uniforms this season; and the One O’clock Jazz Band will tour through Montana in April.
Little is assistant professor of low brass and director of University Band at MSU. She joined the faculty in 2015 after completing doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the prestigious performer’s certificate in recognition of excellence in music performance. She is well-known as an international soloist and clinician, as well as an orchestral conductor. She was an original member of the award-winning Prisma trombone quartet.
Stoneback, assistant professor of trumpet, is an active artist and clinician, touring as featured soloist and educator throughout the U.S. and Europe. She is a member of the internationally renowned Stoneback Sisters, a trio of identical triplet trumpet players who are considered to be among the top trumpeters on the professional scene today. Stoneback and her sisters, Kristin and Mary, have been featured with numerous bands, orchestras and artists, working with such trumpet icons as Susan Slaughter and Doc Severinsen.
Matzinger, known professionally as Ryan Montana, is an internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist. He has toured and performed with industry stars and music legends such as Sonny Rollins and Ike Turner, and at numerous national and international jazz festivals and workshops. In 2004, Matzinger was awarded Jazz Artist of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards.
Admission for the concert will be $5 per family. Seating will be on the ground, with stadium seating available for those needing special accommodation (i.e. the elderly and those with disabilities). No food, drinks (water bottles are acceptable) or chairs will be permitted on the turf. Blankets are encouraged.
