Classical, jazz concert showcases various FC instructors

Attendees of the Andrea Tofanelli concert on March 10 got a really good bargain. Not only did the proceeds of their admission go toward the Electronic Music program, but they also got to see a world renowned trumpet player, who demonstrated his skill at both classical and jazz music.

The first half of the concert was a feature of classical music. Opening up the event was The Artisan Brass quintet, an ensemble consisting of Fullerton College instructors. The group started with a contemporary piece and then afterwards they played three pieces, each from a different period in classical music (the baroque, classical and romantic periods, respectively). The quintet performed very well, playing with great tone, blend and balance and overall great musicianship.

After their set, Tofanelli came out to play a song with the quintet. They played an original piece written by a former FC instructor Brent Pierce. The piece was called "Celebrazione Romana." It was a three-movement contemporary piece based off of Italian music, with some jazz elements thrown in. Each movement had a unique style and feel to it and Tofanelli beautifully played all three-movements to fit their individual style. Tofanelli then left the stage, and then the Artisan Brass ended the classical half of the concert with the Can-Can.

After a five-minute break, instructor Markus Burger came out with his group and the jazz portion of the show began. Throughout the jazz half, Tofanelli showed off some very impressive improvisation skills. He impressed the audience with his ability to hit extremely high notes. His style of playing was most reminiscent of the late jazz trumpet player, Maynard Ferguson.

Tofanelli also had a great rhythm section to back him up that night, with Burger on piano, another FC professor Joe Jewell on guitar, Randy Drake on drums, and Marshall Hawkins on bass, who has played with jazz greats such as Miles Davis.

The rhythm section held together very well and was a fantastic accompaniment for Tofanelli. They were no slouches either when it came to improvisation. Each member played solos that were very musically and technically impressive.

The band played a variety of different songs, ranging from a slow ballad, a funked up version of a jazz standard, and a song written by Ferguson, who Tofanelli mentioned was a huge influence to him as a trumpet player.

For those who went, the concert was a night filled with diverse and great music, played by fantastic musicians. It was also a win for the Electronic Music Program, who received $1,809.