Millersville University is ready to celebrate the “four corners” of the arts: dance, music, art and theater at the Four Corners Festival this summer. Starting the summer celebration is the Jazz Ministers Big Band.
The Jazz Ministers Big Band is celebrating their 10th anniversary this month. The band had their first “gig” back in 2000 at First United Methodist Church in Lancaster. They formed at the request of Dr. Brian Norcross, the director of music at the church, to provide music for a worship service. A decade later, the 18-member band is still performing at various entertainment venues and worship services for its dedicated listeners.
The band provides a blending of gospel and jazz music to enhance the Christian worship experience. The repertoire is expanded to also include vocal arrangements, classics from big band and jazz orchestra genres for concert events. All of the members are active performers and either have their music degree or are in the process of completing it.
“We are pleased to have been invited back to Four Corners this year and to have the honor of being the kick-off for the series,” said University professor and director, Keith Wiley.
The Jazz Ministers Big Band will be performing at the Four Corners Festival Friday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. outside at the Millersville pond. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.jazzministersbigband.com.