Frequency takes the stage for a live concert on Friday night

For the first time in over a year, the vocal jazz ensemble of the University of Troy frequency will perform live and in person on Friday, October 8 at 7 p.m.

A selected and auditioned vocal jazz ensemble, the frequency is dedicated to the interpretation of contemporary a cappella choral pieces with an emphasis on the mid-20th to early 21st century and an emphasis on highly stylized vocal jazz and advanced.

Scott Sexton, Senior Lecturer choral music and frequency composer, said that although the majority of the pieces will be a cappella, he will play the piano to accompany at least one song. The playlist will also cover a wide variety of music, not just jazz.

“We open with a vocal jazz standard from the 1940s and 1950s, an arrangement of Manhattan Transfer. Besides vocal jazz, we’ve also ventured into the world of a cappella pop, so we’re doing an arrangement of “This is Me” by The Greatest Showman, ”he said. “We had a great time with that one.”

Other tracks on the show include a musical theater set by Stephen Sondheim and “Amazing Grace”. The concert is expected to last around 45 minutes.

Over the past year and a half, the 16-member group has managed without live performances by working on individual projects, broadcasting live events online and recording. While those outlets were enough to get by for now, Sexton said their excitement was palpable as the day approached.

“Everyone is happy and feels good because this is what we love to do,” he said. “You can certainly tell there’s a buzz of excitement in the air. We are very happy to be back in person. I feel like we have a busy year, but we like to be busy and share music with people.

Zachary Bailey, senior member of frequency who has been singing since he was a child, said he was excited for everyone to see the hard work they put in to get ready for this first performance.

“As we weren’t able to perform last year, I feel like there was a lot of work for this performance. I was really nervous at first because of our lack of performance last year, but I can say with confidence that I am only absolutely excited about the performance, ”he said. “This concert is what any senior musician would want – incredible repertoire and even more amazing co-musicians to sing it to. I have the chance to sing with amazing people, and I can’t wait for everyone to see them that way too.

For Ellie Russell, another senior member of frequency who also has a long vocal history dating back to childhood serenades, having this performance live after being confined to recording rooms for so long “seems a particularly precious gift”. She is also happy to share the songs they have prepared.

“They carry so much hope, joy, comfort and gospel encouragement. I think our concert will really resonate with a lot of people, ”she said. “frequency Performances are such a fun and exhilarating team experience, and knowing how hard all of my friends and I worked and how much passion we put into the preparation makes it all the more special. It is a true honor to finally share the culmination of our work with Dr Sexton over the past three semesters.

The concert is open and free to the public and will take place in the group room in Long Hall 104. In accordance with the University’s COVID policy, masks will be worn by the public as well as by the performers.

Upcoming events include the singing at the Sunday Morning Service at Park Memorial United Methodist Church in Troy, Alabama on Sunday, October 10, the Sounds of the Season collaboration later this year, and a performance of Valentine’s Day at the Studio at the center. -City of Troy. Several contextual events are programmed in between.

Visit frequency Facebook page for the latest updates, performance information and more.