Southern Nazarene University students gathered on Friday, Oct. 9, for “Jazz on Route 66,” an outdoor performance featuring the SNU Jazz Band. Held on the grass near Broadhurst at the corner of Route 66, the event brought students, musicians and the campus community together for an evening of music under the stars.
The performance celebrated the musical talents of SNU students while connecting the university community with the history of Route 66. For performers, the event also provided an opportunity to share their passion and hard work for music with fellow students, friends, and faculty.
Emily Ellis, a junior and member of the jazz band, said preparing for the performance required consistent rehearsals and individual practice. The band rehearses for an hour and a half twice a week, learning songs, working through challenging sections and making adjustments ahead of performances.
At the beginning of the semester, band members selected music that fit the Route 66 theme. Their setlist included “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Hit the Road Jack,” “My Girl,” “What a Wonderful World” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” among other selections. Together, the songs helped create the feeling of a musical road trip along the historic highway.
The performance concluded with “Route 66,” bringing the jazz band and University Singers together for the final number.
Bailey Graff, a freshman and member of the University Singers, said the choir prepared through group rehearsals twice a week, sectional practices and individual work outside of rehearsal. The choir performed a variety of pieces, including “Everything Happens to Me,” “The Awakening,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Peter Gunn” and “Route 66.”
Graff said the variety of musical styles demonstrated the choir’s versatility. The closing number was especially meaningful because it brought the choir and jazz band together to finish the evening’s performance.
Performing outdoors presented its own challenges. Ellis explained that sound travels differently outside, making it more difficult for musicians to hear one another and balance their instruments. Performers also had to account for the technical equipment, lighting and additional preparation needed for an outdoor concert.
Graff said outdoor performances require teamwork to ensure the equipment is properly arranged and functioning. Despite those challenges, the successful setup and favorable weather helped make the evening enjoyable.
“It was so much fun getting to perform outdoors being that we have such a beautiful campus,” Graff exclaimed.
Beyond the music itself, both performers emphasized the importance of sharing their talents with the SNU community. Ellis noted that performing for friends and professors can sometimes be nerve-racking, but seeing familiar faces in the audience makes the experience rewarding.
Graff said the audience’s attendance made the evening special for both the band and the University Singers.
“I think that getting to see all the students who came to support their fellow students was incredible,” Graff commented. “I believe that this event gave students and friends an opportunity to show up for each other and that’s exactly what they did!”
Graff also hoped the performance would introduce audience members to a new side of music or leave them with a positive impression.
“Music has changed my life, and I hope that our performance made a positive impact on someone last night,” Graff exclaimed.
Events such as “Jazz on Route 66” give students opportunities to experience the arts beyond the classroom while supporting their peers. By bringing together student musicians and an audience of friends and faculty, the concert demonstrated how live music can create connections and strengthen the sense of community at SNU.
Photo by: Paige Davis