The Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will host a variety of performances in March. From jazz to opera, audiences will be treated to performances representing a diverse range of genres and style periods. All concerts and recitals will be performed in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Concert Hall–admission is free; no tickets required.

On March 2 at 7:30 p.m., Eastern faculty members Emily Jo Riggs, soprano, and David Ballena, piano, will present a recital of art songs, arias and familiar songs from American Music Theater. Riggs and Ballena will be joined by their colleague, Chris Howard, clarinet. This program is presented as part of the Music Program’s “Faculty Recital Series.” The series was established to raise scholarship funds for current and incoming Music Program students. Each year, Eastern’s Music faculty/artists present a series of recitals to generate funds to support annual awards that recognize student achievement at all stages of the degree program. All Faculty Recital Series events are free and donations are accepted at the door.

On March 7 at 7:30 p.m., the Eastern Wind Ensemble will present a concert featuring the music of Michael Daugherty, Percy Grainger, Frank Ticheli, and Kevin Puts. Also featured on the program is Eastern’s World Percussion Ensemble led by Professor Matt Bronson. The Eastern Wind Ensemble is the newest instrumental ensemble on campus and is designed to provide students with a unique, student-centric instrumental playing experience. Led by Professor Kelly Watkins, the Wind Ensemble performs standard repertoire from the wind band/chamber winds realm, as well as more contemporary works.

On March 19 at 7:30 p.m., the Music Program will host guest artists José A. Zayas Caban, saxophone, Joel Gordon, saxophone, and Casey D. Rafn, piano. The trio will present a diverse program of classical music for saxophone and piano and conclude with a special tribute to Puerto Rico.

On March 26 at 7:30 p.m., The Straight-Up Jazz Trio will perform as part of the Music Program’s “Faculty Recital Series.” Expect the unexpected as the trio gives their interpretation of jazz standards, Broadway hits and recent pop tunes. The group will be joined by guest vocalist Emily Riggs. The Faculty Recital Series was established to raise scholarship funds for current and incoming Music Program students. Each year, Eastern’s Music faculty/artists present a series of recitals to generate funds to support annual awards that recognize student achievement at all stages of the degree program. All Faculty Recital Series events are free and donations are accepted at the door.