As classes were winding down at the end of the Fall 2018 semester, FTC students warmed up the Main Stage in the FTC Performing Arts Center with spirited musical performances.

An Evening of Jazz kicked off the FTC winter concert series on December 7th with some lively music selections. Leading the talented FTC Music Division students were:

  • FTC Creative Music Combo (Director/Professor Dave Lobenstein);
  • American Songbook Ensemble (Director/Professor Scott Ballin);
  • FTC Student Spotlights (Arrangers – Judane Rhodes and Felipe Rondon);
  • FTC Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Director/Professor Kristi Adams and Assistant Director/Accompanist – Yuki Yamaguchi); and
  • FTC Jazz Orchestra (Director – Dr. Steve Briody).

On December 9, Professor Dean Karahalis and the Five Towns College Concert Pops Band presented their Holiday Concert to a packed house. The band featured seasonal favorites such as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Sleigh Ride, All I want for Christmas Is You, Chanukah Festival and much more!

Finally, on December 11 was the Winter Concert: A Night of Classical Music. This featured special performances by the Choir (Conductor – Kenneth Friese and Accompanist – Anthony Vetere), Chamber Orchestra (Matthew Pierce, Director), Masters String Quartet, Chamber Singers (Conductor – Dr. Marc Silverberg), and Wind Ensemble (Director – Dr. Peter Philip DeSalvo).

Many thanks to the Chair of the Jazz/Commercial Music Division, Dr. Jill Miller-Thorn, the faculty, and the talented students who worked so hard during the semester. The concerts were terrific!  We can’t wait for the next round!

Here’s a clip of the highlights from the Evening of Jazz: