TAMIU Senior Recital Tonight Features Jazz Drumming

Throughout history, the beat of the drum has measured the movement of cultures and changes in times.

On Thursday, November 4, Texas A&M International University graduating senior Jose A. Guerra II will present his senior recital detailing the history of jazz drumming.

The recital will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Center for the Fine and Performing Arts' Recital Hall. Admission is free of charge and open to the public.

Guerra's recital and lecture is unusual in its scope and its presentation, said one of his faculty panelists, Dr. Susan Berdahl, assistant professor of music.

"Joe Guerra is well-known here in Laredo and has recorded professionally. His recital will provide a sequence of styles within the jazz genre and will include pre-swing, Big Band, Pre-Bop, Be-Bop, Hard Bop, Cool Jazz and Post Be-Bop. Throughout, he'll incorporate performances and PowerPoint presentations. He'll be accompanied by five musicians, some traveling here from San Antonio. We are lucky to have an accomplished musician like Guerra graduating from our program," Dr. Berdahl explained.

Guerra said that he hopes his recital offers a general overview of a sequence of styles within the genre of jazz.

In program notes, he writes, "The important thing to remember is how these styles morphed into one another. The consistency lies within the 'swing' feel of the sub-divisions of the basic beat, the swing eighth note," he writes.

Joining Guerra for his recital will be Cecil Carter on trumpet, coronet and flugelhorn; Bill Holman on saxophones and clarinet; George Saenz on trombone; George Prado on acoustic bass and Jerry Quintero on piano.

For additional information, please contact the TAMIU Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 326.2649.