The Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will present six concerts in the month of December. Concerts will range from student-only instrumental ensembles to seasonally themed collaborations with alumni musicians and community members. The performances are free and open to the public and will take place in the Concert Hall of the Fine Arts Instructional Center. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

“These performances highlight the variety of music study occurring on our campus every day – in our studios, practice rooms and rehearsal halls,” said Emily Riggs, professor and chair of the Music Program. “From opera to global percussion, whatever your interests, you are certain to find something on our calendar that excites you!”

On Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., the Eastern Jazz Ensemble will perform a variety of big band music featuring student soloists. The Eastern Jazz Ensemble is composed of students who play traditional jazz band instruments, including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar and drums. The traditional big band plays music from a wide variety of styles and eras in the jazz idiom, focusing on traditional jazz composers, but also contemporary composers as well.

On Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m., Music Program alumni, faculty and current students will present a fully staged and costumed production of the holiday classic “Menotti: Amahl and the Night Visitors.” The 50-minute production will capture the child-like excitement and mystery of the winter season and is perfect for children and families.

On Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m., the Eastern Percussion Ensembles will present a collection of works from the percussion and marimba ensemble repertoire. The concert will feature the Eastern Percussion Ensemble, Percussion Group and World Percussion Ensemble, and will feature a broad spectrum of musical styles.

On Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., the Jazz Combo “3 O’Clock Band” will present a concert of classic jazz tunes from a variety of eras, ranging from standards and bebop to jazz and rock. The ensemble provides students with a small-group experience with an emphasis on improvisation.

On Dec. 6. at 7:30 p.m., join the Eastern Concert Band and Wind Ensemble in celebrating the “Sounds of the Season” in a joint concert perfect for children and families. Eastern Concert Band is a unique blend of more than 80 musicians consisting of Eastern students, faculty, alumni, local music educators and talented community members. The ensemble performs classic band pieces as well as works from contemporary composers. The smaller Eastern Wind Ensemble is a student wind ensemble that performs music from the wind ensemble and chamber winds repertoire as well as more contemporary works.

On Dec. 7, audience members will enjoy the World Percussion Ensemble in experiencing the rich history of drumming in Korea, India, West Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. This event is perfect for children and families! The World Percussion Ensemble is a unique opportunity for instrumentalists to perform exclusively on percussion instruments in a chamber setting.