Alumni of the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, the premiere jazz ensemble group out of West Chester University’s Wells School of Music, will take the stage for a free concert on Thursday, July 20, at 7 PM, in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building at 700 S. High Street, West Chester. The concert to the public and is available via livestream.

An annual tradition, the Criterions concert, “Crites” for short, welcomes back to campus alumni old and young who played in the ensemble as undergraduates. The concert includes jazz, swing, and big band music featuring graduates who have gone on to successful careers as professional musicians, music teachers, and music executives. Dave DiValentino, a band director in the North Penn school district, is the director of the alumni ensemble.

DiValentino said, “The Criterions reunion always has an amazing energy to it. These musicians look forward all year to getting together with fellow alumni from across all generations and to performing some of the best jazz standards ever written. It is always such a pleasure to bring everyone together for two full days full of energy, friendship, and great music.”

The Criterions will play from the big band literature that includes the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, and more. The concert coincides with the Wells School of Music’s Summer Jazz Camp, and students from the camp will perform in a few of the opening numbers. Saxophonist Jonathan Ragonese, also the Director of Jazz Studies at West Chester University’s Wells School of Music, will be featured in the concert.

“Ragonese plays all over the tri-state area. For local audiences to have the chance to see him perform for free is a real treat,” added DiValentino.

Learn more at West Chester University.