West Chester University: Live Music Returns To West Chester University With Criterions Jazz Ensemble's Alumni Co ...

Press release from West Chester University:

July 6, 2021

The Criterions is a premier musical ensemble of the Wells School of Music, playing
the music of Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton and more. Criterions alumni, “Crites”
for short, have gone on to successful careers as professional musicians, music teachers
and music executives. Dave DiValentino, a band director in the North Penn school district,
is the newly appointed director of the alumni ensemble.

DiValentino says, “The Criterions reunion always has an amazing energy to it. These
musicians look forward all year to getting together with fellow alumni from across
all generations to perform some great big band literature. This year will be extra
special because it will be the first time since March of 2020 that a lot of us are
playing music with other people and for a live audience. Great people, great music,
and the spirit of WCU music will come together for an amazing concert!”

The concert coincides with the Wells School of Music’s Summer Jazz Camp and students
from the camp will perform a few opening numbers.

The Criterions are the longest running University jazz band in the country. Originating
in the 1920s, they were a student-led ballroom dance band, and provided entertainment
for University dances, proms and post-Friday night games. As times changed, the “Crites”
became a Faculty-led Jazz Ensemble by the early 1980’s, when the School of Music began
Jazz curricula. They are known for their mastery of American popular songs and jazz
standards from the early 20th century.  

For safety purposes, unvaccinated audience members and/or those who are symptomatic,
are asked to wear masks and patrons are asked to leave one empty seat between themselves
and any party they're not attending the show with.

West Chester University’s Wells School of Music offers students outstanding opportunities in concentrated performance and musicianship.
The School’s superior performance and practice venues include 22 new Steinways, Skinner
organ, tech lab, Roland piano lab, and more. Students study with renowned faculty
who have dual careers as dedicated educators and professional musicians. Faculty provide
private lessons for all music students and are the directors for numerous student
ensembles. The School supports a wide variety of performance degrees, including a
Bachelor of Music in Performance, as well as a Master of Music in Performance. Graduates
pursue successful careers at major institutions and teach music education at home
and abroad.

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.