Last Tuesday, Nov. 9, the department of fine and performing arts gave a group of Southeastern students called the “Jazzbonez” an opportunity to show off their musical talents to an enthusiastic crowd in the Pottle Music Building Auditorium.

“They’re called Jazzbonez because ‘bones’ is short for trombones,” said David Johansen, associate professor of trombone studies and Jazzbonez director. “The show is five trombones with a rhythm section.”

The concert, which began promptly at 7:30 p.m., featured five main trombone players: Justin Pardue, Tim Villalobos, Jimmy Brinkman, Kaity Marquez and Jorge Franco. The Jazzbonez rhythm section included Aaron Turnipseed on piano, James Teekel on guitar, Nathan Heck on bass and Wes Mannino on drums.

“The group is from the School of Music,” said Johansen. “My students, music majors, most of them are from the written section of Jazz I and a large ensemble.”

In addition to the main group, one song performed that evening entitled “When I Fall in Love” required seven assistant trombonists. These student musicians included Sandy Hanna, Devin Barnes, Josh Allen, Royce Taylor, Allen Cutrer, Jamie Foster and Mike Limberg.

The night consisted of jazz tunes from various composers, which featured both upbeat and melodic instrumentals. According to Johansen, the show included jazz ballads, swing tunes and funk.

The performance began with an upbeat tune entitled “Bap Bap” by Mark Mullins. At the end of their opening piece, Johansen introduced the group and thanked the crowd for their support. Through the show’s entirety, he began each song with an introduction, welcoming the stage assistant trombonists and preparing attendees for solos performed by members of the band in both the trombone and rhythm sections.

The night continued with “Stella by Starlight” by Victor Young, “Misty” by Erroll Garner, “When I Fall in Love” by Victor Young and Edward Heyman, “Epistrophy” by Thelonious Monk and Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’.”

Its conclusion, which featured singing and additional instruments, was met with a standing ovation from the audience. Johansen thanked them again for attending and supporting this big night for Jazzbonez.

More information about upcoming events put on by the department of fine and performing arts can be found by contacting department head David Evenson at 985-549-2184.