The Pioneer Jazz Orchestra and Jazz 1 performed from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Brodbeck Concert Hall. 

The concert was opened by the Pioneer Jazz Orchestra with a special dedication to veterans. For the first song, the orchestra performed Glenn Miller’s Orchestra arrangement of “American Patrol.” There was a veteran in the crowd and the audience clapped their thanks before the song. 

There were a total of seven songs performed by the Pioneer Jazz Orchestra in their part of the Jazz Concert. 

Next, the orchestra performed “Afro Blue,” which featured special guest Steve Weist. Weist is a Grammy nominated trombonist whose track went up against the famous movie, “UP.” Weist also composes and educates.  He has worked for the likes of North Texas State, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of Colorado.  

Weist’s trombone solo was like a singer leading a choir, and his feature in the song, “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” had the same effect.  

Following “Yeah Yeah Yeah” was a tune well-known from the video game, “Cuphead.” The song “Clip Joint Calamity” had a drums feature. 

Marissa Mueller had a solo feature in the song “Outback the Barn.” Advisor for the Pioneer Jazz Orchestra Allen Cordingley said Mueller could have done more features as she performed perfectly. 

“Dancing Men” got the orchestra and Cordingley hyped. Cordingley explained that “Dancing Men” was by Burning for Buddy Rich and really took Cordingley back to a place in 1995. 

Finally, the band closed with “I Wish” composed by Stevie Wonder. Each new song performed could be deemed a favorite, but this performance took the cake as a crowd favorite. The audience was grooving in their seats, and it took a lot of strength to not dance. The ending had a clean cutoff, which marked the switch over to the second half of the concert done by Jazz 1.  

“James” was the first song performed and David Cooper, Advisor for Jazz 1, said the song was hopeful and uncomplicated. 

Next, Jazz 1 performed “Just Friends,” arranged by Ron Mcconnell. It is a very trombone-heavy song and was very enjoyable to listen to. 

Not only did Steve Weist star in some of Jazz 1’s songs, but composer and bassist John Christensen  also performed in “Care,” which was arranged by David Cooper. 

Ironically, the next song was “It Happened on Cooper Street,” which was introduced by Weist. Cooper and Weist have known each other for some time, and Weist thanked Cooper for all his hard work at UW-Platteville. 

The final song of the night was “First Circle.” Cooper explained that the song was an emotional journey. It put the crowd in a relaxed and thoughtful mood to end the night. 

This Jazz Concert was a great success as there were many student who performed wonderfully. It was a great concert to end the day.