Instruments are being tuned and vocals cords are being warmed up.
The Dance Band is preparing to take the stage at Marsee Auditorium Monday at 8 p.m. for its first performance of the spring semester.
Presenting a fusion of vocal and instrumental big band jazz charts, the Dance Band is anxious to hit the stage and get those in attendance on their feet to dance the night away.
“I hope people dance,” Joe Said, music major and bass player, said.
During intensive rehearsals, band members are giving those final touches to the pieces they will be performing.
“Rehearsals have been very effective and efficient,” Joseph Akinwale, music major and drum player, said. ” We go through an entire piece and then we review the spots where we have trouble.”
Akinwale did not know about the Dance Band until last semester when he had a conflicting schedule and had to find a class to fit in with it.
Directing the band, Kurt Festinger said he is happy with his players and is confident about the show.
“Because I have a full band, all the players that I need are there,” Festinger said. “It’s very good.”
The Dance Band is a mixture of members of the community and EC students who enjoy playing musical instruments.
“You get a range of players,” Festinger said. “You get everything from very serious students to adults who are doing it for enjoyment.”
Although the band has not yet performed this semester, Festinger is pleased with the level of talent that his group possesses.
“I have better players than I’ve ever had,” Festinger said. “It’s probably the best this band has ever been.”
The band will be perform-ing six instrumental and four vocal pieces during the hour-long show.
Festinger said he is focused and is expecting a lot of concentration and relaxation not only from himself, but from the others.
“I try to make sure that everyone is as relaxed as they can be,” Festinger said. “The more relaxed they are, the better they play.”
Festinger said that the singers need to have the most relaxation.
The show is open to all kinds of music lovers; those who have not been exposed to jazz music are strongly encouraged to attend the show.
Festinger, who has a great passion for jazz music and his band, said that he expects the concert to have a good turnout.
“I would look for the same turnout (as last semester); forty to fifty people,” Festinger said.
“There’s a very high level of artistry involved in jazz,” Festinger said. “I think it’s important for people to come to the concert, especially if they’ve never heard jazz before.”
Tickets may be purchased at the campus Ticket Box Office. The cost of admission is $8. Interested persons may call (310) 329-5345 for inquiries and additional information.
