Skelton heads new CSO Jazz ensemble
By Cheryl Anderson Brown
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Sam Skelton |
The Cobb Symphony Orchestra is enhancing its rich musical repertoire with addition of a jazzy new offspring. And, to ensure the success of the new venture, the CSO has appointed one of the top jazzmen in Atlanta, Kennesaw State University's director of jazz studies, Sam Skelton, to head the new ensemble.
"CSO JAZZ! is an exciting addition to the Cobb Symphony Orchestra organization this season,” said CSO music director Michael Alexander. “Under the masterful direction of Sam Skelton, the top jazz musicians in the city deliver powerful performances that will inspire audiences and will expand to four concerts next year.”
The CSO JAZZ! initiative combines both a youth jazz ensemble of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra program and a professional jazz ensemble. It is dedicated to bringing new age and traditional big band charts alive with every performance.
"This is a powerhouse group playing great music," Skelton said.
Skelton promises that future concerts will feature the works of Ellington, Mingus, Monk, Bill Potts and several "resident composers" including Randy Hoexter, Wes Funderburk and Eric Alexander.
For information about upcoming performances, call the Cobb Symphony Orchestra at 770-429-7016.