Criterions Jazz Ensemble Reopening West Chester U. Live Stage

WEST CHESTER, PA — An annual tradition is returning as the Wells School of Music brings back The Criterions, the longest-running university Jazz band in the country, for its Jazz Ensemble Alumni Concert.

The free public concert was skipped last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the performance will return to the stage with jazz, swing and big band music.

The concert is free and open to the public on July 15, at 7:30 p.m., in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.

The concert will also be available via livestream here.

The Criterions is a premier musical ensemble of the Wells School of Music, playing the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton and more. Criterions alumni, “Crites” for short, 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 newly appointed 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 to perform some great big band literature. This year will be extra special because it will be the first time since March of 2020 that a lot of us are playing music with other people and for a live audience. Great people, great music, and the spirit of WCU music will come together for an amazing concert!"

The concert coincides with the Wells School of Music’s Summer Jazz Camp and students from the camp will perform a few opening numbers.

The Criterions are the longest-running university Jazz band in the country. Originating in the 1920s, they were a student-led ballroom dance band, and provided entertainment for University dances, proms and post-Friday night games.

As times changed, the “Crites” became a faculty-led Jazz ensemble by the early 1980’s, when the School of Music began jazz curricula. They are known for their mastery of American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century.

For safety purposes, unvaccinated audience members and/or those who are COVID-19 symptomatic, are asked to wear masks and patrons are asked to leave one empty seat between themselves and any party they're not attending the show with.

West Chester University’s Wells School of Music offers students outstanding opportunities in concentrated performance and musicianship. The School’s superior performance and practice venues include 22 new Steinways, a Skinner organ, tech lab, Roland piano lab, and more. Students study with renowned faculty who have dual careers as dedicated educators and professional musicians.

Faculty provide private lessons for all music students and are the directors for numerous student ensembles. The School supports a wide variety of performance degrees, including a Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Master of Music in Performance.

Make sure you know what's happening in your town. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss any local news: https://patch.com/subscribe.