Sterling College Jazz Band Brings Diverse Sounds to Free Concert

College ensemble blends big band classics, contemporary jazz, and rock covers in community outreach performance.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:18am

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The upcoming free concert by the Sterling College Jazz Band on March 29th showcases the ensemble's commitment to preserving jazz traditions while also embracing modern musical trends. The program will feature big band standards, selections from the Great American Songbook, and a jazz-infused arrangement of the Guns N' Roses hit "Welcome to the Jungle", highlighting the band's versatility and the evolving nature of jazz performance.

Why it matters

The Sterling College Jazz Band's concert is more than just a performance - it represents broader trends in music education and the vital role colleges play in fostering artistic outreach within their communities. By blending classic and contemporary styles, the band is helping to preserve American musical heritage while also attracting new audiences to jazz.

The details

The 17-member Sterling College Jazz Band, under the direction of Larry Brownlee, will perform a dynamic program that spans genres and generations. In addition to big band classics and Great American Songbook standards, the ensemble will present a jazz-infused take on the Guns N' Roses rock anthem "Welcome to the Jungle", reflecting the growing trend of genre fluidity in contemporary music.

  • The concert will take place on March 29, 2026.
  • The Sterling College Jazz Band has performed at six high schools across Kansas this year as part of their music education outreach efforts.

The players

Sterling College Jazz Band

A 17-member college ensemble that performs a diverse repertoire spanning jazz traditions and contemporary styles.

Larry Brownlee

The director of the Sterling College Jazz Band, leading the ensemble in its mission to preserve and evolve the art of jazz performance.

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What they’re saying

“The upcoming concert by the Sterling College Jazz Band on March 29th isn't just a performance; it's a microcosm of evolving trends in music education and the vital role colleges play in fostering artistic outreach.”

— Chief Editor

What’s next

The Sterling College Jazz Band's concert is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for the local community to experience live music and support the arts.

The takeaway

The Sterling College Jazz Band's concert showcases the evolving nature of jazz performance, blending traditional big band and Great American Songbook styles with contemporary arrangements that appeal to a wider audience. This approach reflects broader trends in music education and the important role colleges play in fostering artistic outreach and community engagement.