Criterions return for annual reunion concert

Alumni from nation’s longest-running university jazz ensemble have been getting together for the past 33 years to perform

West Chester University alumni are again set to perform in the Criterions jazz ensemble concert.

WEST CHESTER » Some are professional musicians, some music teachers, and others are in the corporate world, but what unites them is their love of music, honed during their time with the Criterions, the West Chester University jazz ensemble.

Alumni from the nation’s longest-running university jazz ensemble have been getting together for the past 33 years to perform a reunion concert and they will perform again this evening at a free concert at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall.

“We all return to play the music that we love and that unites us no matter our age or occupation or what we have experienced in life,” said Lee Southall, who conceived and has organized the concert nearly every year. “We have some tremendous musicians from different vintages, but it’s always the same, our love of big band and swing music.”

Wednesday morning Southall was directing the group as they rehearsed. The oldest alumnus returning this year is Bob Fanelli, class of 1960, while trumpeter Paul Feldman and percussionist Joe Ganzelli are both 2015 graduates.

“Sounds good,” Southall said as he helped the musicians come together, tweaking their sound even as some were meeting for the first time. Fanelli played a sax solo from Vine Street Rumble by composer Benny Carter as he got a smile from fellow saxophonist George Grund. Trumpeter Roger Morgan arrived and drew a chuckle as he explained he couldn’t perform until the novocaine wore off from his morning visit to the dentist’s office.

“It’s the camaraderie,” said trombonist Bill Smith.” With such great musicians we can grab a cup of coffee, pick up and go. I enjoy seeing people I graduated with as well as younger and older musicians we can share a common bond with.”

Smith came from Bethlehem for the event, which he said was easier than in past years when he would travel from Europe to be part of the reunion. Smith, a 1983 graduate of West Chester and a retired Air Force musician, was stationed there at the time yet made arrangements to take part in Criterions reunions.

“West Chester is a school with great teachers and performers. It was great to work with 200-300 other students working to become much better,” he said.

During practice Wednesday, Smith was working with West Chester University junior, Michael Kaplan.

“I am ready to play with such talented musicians,” Kaplan said. “I try to ask questions.”

“It’s good to get back and great to listen to the other musicians,” said trombonist, Adam Search, of Exton. “Playing together is fantastic. This was the first time in 10 years I’ve been able to attend.”

Search, the middle school band director at Great Valley, also has a son who is following in his footsteps as a trombonist.

The Criterions student band has been active on campus since the 1920s, when it was established as a dance band, making it the longest-running university jazz band in the country.

In addition to the alumni ensemble, youth from the School of Music’s jazz camp will perform this evening. The event begins 7:30 p.m. in Asplundh Hall on the university campus.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA West Chester University jazz ensemble alumnus Bob Fanelli rehearses Wednesday morning. Fanelli is a graduate of the Class of 1960 and lives in Newtown Square.

PETE BANNAN — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Alumni of the West Chester University jazz ensemble ,the Criterions, rehearse Wednesday morning. The alumni musicians from the 1960s through the 21st century will gather for the 33rd time to hold the jazz, big band concert on the Asplundh Concert Hall stage this evening.

Bill Smith, West Chester University Class of 1983 graduate, talks with WCU junior, Michael Kaplan, during the university’s jazz ensemble alumni practice. Smith was an Air Force musician after his graduation from WCU.

Dave Kenney plays piano with the West Chester University jazz ensemble alumni.

West Chester University jazz ensemble alumna Dawn Krown rehearses Wednesday morning. Krown is a music teacher and department chair at Perkiomen Valley School District.

Lee Southall conducts the West Chester University jazz ensemble alumni. He is a graduate of the Class of 1964 and has been running the reunion for 33 years.

Alumni of the West Chester University jazz ensemble ,the Criterions, rehearse Wednesday morning. The alumni musicians from the 1960s through the 21st century will gather for the 33rd time to hold the jazz, big band concert on the Asplundh Concert Hall stage this evening.

West Chester University jazz ensemble alumni, George Grund and Bob Fanelli, rehearse Wednesday morning. Grund graduated from WCU in 1975 and lives in Allentown, while Fanelli is a graduate of the Class of 1960 and lives in Newtown Square.