After playing with artists ranging from Earth, Wind, and Fire to Barbara Streisand, trumpet player Chuck Findley will play with the Ball State University Jazz Band.
The concert opens the 21st season of the Art of Jazz series tonight at 7:30 in the Music Instruction Building Sursa Performance Hall. The series presents internationally-known artists in both educational and professional settings.-á
Findley is rehearsing with the jazz band for a couple of hours this morning, and they will play together for the concert.-á
Although some of the pieces are a little difficult, Jazz Ensemble Director Larry McWilliams said his jazz band was ready for the challenge.-á
"Chuck sent us five or six charts a couple months ago for us to work up before he got here," McWilliams said. "They are some tough charts, but we got them down pretty good now because we want to make sure that we don't make him look bad."-á
Andy Schultz, a saxophonist for the jazz band playing with Findley, said challenging music and playing with famous musicians was exciting.-á
"Every chance our jazz band gets to play with someone ... like Findley, it makes me realize some of the things I need to work on as a jazz musician," Schultz said. "It really is exciting to have guest artists here for that reason."-á
Findley said some of the artists who play at Ball State for the Art of Jazz series are close friends and they said Ball State has a great music program.-á
"I have had some friends of mine play at one of Ball State's jazz concerts," he said. "So when I was invited, I asked if they were good, because I have heard they have a great program. They all really enjoyed the performances they had there, so I am really excited to do it."-á
McWilliams said he was pleased to hear Findley and other artists know about Ball State's jazz program.-á
"I think that it is a great thing that big artists like Findley are hearing about us as far as the West Coast," he said. "It says something great not only about our program, but about this university."-á
McWilliams also said having a trumpet player start off the season was exciting.-á
"Our jazz series is like an instrumental merry-go-round," he said. "We always try to have a lot of different instruments come play for these concerts, and this time I was looking for a trumpet player. We were really lucky to have Findley agree to it, and we can't wait to get him here to play with us."-á
Findley has recorded with artists such as Natalie Cole, Miles Davis, George Harrison and Barry Manilow. He also played for dozens of movie soundtracks, including "Back To The Future," "When Harry Met Sally," and "Rocky." However, Findley said, that it didn't begin to scratch the surface of his work.
"If I were to name all the people I have worked with, the list would be almost endless," Findley said. "I have truly been blessed to have played with such a versatile array of artists. It has made me a more versatile player."-á
Ball State students can get free concert tickets at the Emens Auditorium box office until 4:30 p.m. Other tickets will be sold for $5 at the Sursa box office before the show.
"If you are having a bad day, jazz will bring right out of that bad mood and into a good time," Schultz said. "You really have to be here to experience how wonderful and how fun jazz can be. It's going to be a great time."-á
Findley agrees, but said the show would be great for more than one reason.-áThere is another important part of music, he said.
"The arts are so valuable these days," Findley said. "It's all about touching people's souls. I'll preach that rather than war. We could bring people together with music and all the arts."-á
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