Are you tired of the hum drum of life and need some changes? Well then, you might need to jazz it up.

Missouri Western presented two jazz concerts on April 14 and 15. The jazz ensemble and the jazz lab performed their spring concerts in Potter Hall Theatre.

The jazz lab, under the direction of Bob Long, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies, kicked off some tunes of classic charts from the Basie library to contemporary charts by Paul Mckee and Jeff Tyzik.

Long was excited about both of these events.

“This was a time for the students performing to show off what they have been working on all semester,” Long said.

The jazz lab took no time in making there presence known.

Featured soloist Mario Asti, a junior at Western, took the tenor saxophone on an angelic flight into the heavens lifting every ear to praise the art of jazz itself.

Trumpet players Tim Thomas and Andy West, both seniors here at Western, belted out heavenly accents to the spiritual connection.

Saxophonists Beaux Lux and David Mitchell highlighted the performance with brilliance.

Alto saxophonist Michael Hickman, senior of Des Moines, Iowa, made his mark on all the open ears of loves forgiveness.

Students from all walks of life got the chance to appreciate the quality musicians Western produces.

The jazz ensemble, also under Long’s direction, showcased classic literature from the Duke Ellington, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich libraries as well as new compositions by leading composers.

Kathleen Holeman teaches the vocal jazz ensemble as well as private jazz lessons.

She believes that the students need to be more involved in jazz from vocal points to the music itself in order to understand the concept.

“You have to get the students involved in listening to a lot of jazz recordings, both vocal and instrumental, and they have to listen to the style,” Holeman said.

Andy West played Bass guitar and Jesse Boley played drums for the ensemble with Holeman on piano.

“We were basically here to compliment them and their performance,” Boley said.

West made it clear that he and Boley only had one day to prepare their parts and they achieved those parts well.

Different people for different reasons came out to watch these performances.

Western student Ashley Callen showed up to support her friends.

“They all are really hard working and care about what they do,” Callen said.

Students here at Western should take more pride in the quality of the musicians Western produces, and support them more.