Dee Friesen | Arts & Life Editor

I was able to attend the Jazz Concert last week and I really enjoyed it! There are some incredibly talented students in the Jazz Ensemble here at BVU! Chase Harrison and Adam Ullerich are two of the students who are involved.

Chase Harrison | Junior music production and technology major

What instrument do you play?
I play the piano. Outside of jazz band I play guitar, bass, drums, various string and keyboard instruments, and harmonica, amongst others.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Jazz Ensemble?
I love music and play it as much as I can and in whatever capacity I can. I especially love to perform, and jazz band gives me the opportunity to have a little more fun performing than in regular band.

Do you ever get frustrated while learning new pieces? If yes, how do you deal with it?
All the time- how I work through it is by really getting inside the piece. I listen to various recordings of the piece and get familiar with the song. I pick up a lot just by listening and watching other musicians.

What is it about music or Jazz in particular that you like and/or what about it makes you want to keep playing?
I love the freedom that comes with being in a jazz rhythm section where the music is really a suggestion. I like finding ways to make the piece we good as possible beyond even the writer of the song imagined.

Adam Ullerich | Senior bassoon performance major

What instrument do you play?
In the jazz band I play tenor sax!

Why did you choose to be a part of the Jazz Ensemble?
I love being in Jazz band because we play contemporary music and the atmosphere is very laid back.

Do you ever get frustrated while learning new pieces? If yes, how do you deal with it?
I personally do not get frustrated with new pieces, I love the challenge of playing music correct every time.

What is it about music or Jazz in particular that you like and/or what about it makes you want to keep playing?
What is great about jazz music and this jazz ensemble is the freedom to improvise and solo during any song. This allows for excitement, enrichment, and learning far after the notes and song have been practiced for some time.

Photos by Dee Friesen