The Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos performed on Feb. 11 with renowned artists Wayne Horvitz and Sara Schoenbeck at the Edward Simonson Performing Arts Center at Bakersfield College.

The Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble, performs regularly on the BC campus and at local venues around the Bakersfield area. 

They have a repertoire that spans the history of big band jazz, from classics by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Charles Mingus to new student works.

The BC Jazz Ensemble gives the community and students frequent opportunities to interact with renowned visiting artists such as Pulitzer Prize finalist Wadada Leo Smith, master percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, composer/producer Chris Schlarb, and legendary drummer Joe LaBarbera. 

Directed by BC Music Director Kris Tiner, the ensemble performed a variety of tunes at the event, including specific pieces from the special guests.

Horvitz, a famous composer for his work with multiple famous music groups such as Gravitas Quartet, Sweeter Than the Day, and The Four Plus One Ensemble. 

Horovitz and Schoenbeck, a famous bassoonist originally from California, performed in combo with the BC Jazz Ensemble for multiple pieces. 

For the BC Jazz Ensemble, the event was rather early in the semester by usual standards, but BC Jazz Ensemble didn’t want to pass up the opportuinity to perform with such highly touted artists such as Horvitz and Schoenbeck.