Music

Join VSO Artistic Advisor and Project Conductor Matt LaRocca ’02, composer and Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Evan Taylor, and filmmaker and Animation Studio Producer Daniel Houghton ’06 for a talk about their artistic process.

Free

Students in the Jazz Workshop and in MUSC 0148 play the best of the term’s jazz!

Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains the most critical politically focused artist in African music history. This presentation will examine Kuti’s 1977 album, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, which serves as a focal point for his musical and political development. With Nigeria on the verge of a historic presidential election, this presentation takes stock of the conditions under which everyday Nigerians live through the soundscape and messages of the album. 

This event is immediately followed by “The Huddle and The Higher Ground” (see separate listing).

How do we retain our talented faculty and staff, and how do we ensure that we are all working towards building an inclusive community? Dr. Shonekan will discuss two programs she designed and implemented for faculty and staff. “The Huddle” is a mentoring program for junior faculty, and “Higher Ground” is a series of conversations within staff about inclusion and diversity. 

This event is immediately preceded by “Sorrow, Tears and Blood: The Enduring Legacy of the Afrobeat Prophet” (see separate listing).

ReUnited for Ukraine marks the anniversary of Russia’s invasion and Ukraine’s defense with a beneficiary evening of music, poetry, and art. This event brings to life the very culture that Ukraine has fought for so heroically. Please join us for an evening of pride, remembrance, and hope! 

The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble is the College’s swingin’ big band, featuring great musicians playing the music that’s been called America’s National Treasure. In previous appearances at 51 Main, the band played to full houses that didn’t want the music to end. This evening is sure to keep fingers snapping and toes tapping; there might even be dancing in the aisles!

The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble is Middlebury College’s swingin’ 17-piece big band. It features great musicians playing the music that’s been called America’s National Treasure. The band is directed by Dick Forman, who’s been part of the Vermont jazz scene for decades. The evening is sure to keep fingers snapping and toes tapping. (photo by Brett Simison)

A weekly session devoted to learning about and playing jazz in a small-group setting. Previous jazz experience is not required. Open to Middlebury College students only.