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WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra to Play at Monmouth College 'Interfaith Jazz Service'

March 17, 2015

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MACOMB, IL - A 17-piece jazz orchestra, which includes Western Illinois University student musicians, will perform the "Baecker Jazz Worship Service" at Monmouth College's Dahl Chapel at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, on the Monmouth College campus.

The program is an extension of the bi-weekly Jazz Worship Service, held at the West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb. The Jazz Worship Service began three years ago with the desire of Kathy Stoner-Lasala, now pastor at Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, IL, to combine her love for ministry and jazz improvisation. WIU graduate assistant in music, Byron McChord, and Pastor Mark Merrill at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, co-lead the services in Macomb.

The event at Monmouth College is a partnership with Monmouth College Chaplain, the Rev. Teri Ott, and WIU Associate Professor Michael Stryker, of the WIU Jazz Program and the WIU School of Music.

The event will feature readings from many different faiths by Monmouth College students, followed by a performance by the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra. The seven-movement composition, "Baecker Jazz Worship Service," was composed by WIU School of Music Professor and Director of Jazz Studies John Cooper, and was commissioned by Garth and Terry Baecker, of Pekin, IL.

A reception will follow the event. The event is open free to the public.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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