OC hosts Jazz Mondays at 7 p.m.

In a new event this semester, Oklahoma Christian University’s Jazz Band will host free Jazz Monday performances weekly in the McGraw Pavilion at 7 p.m. The performances are an opportunity for the campus and local community to get together and build fellowship while enjoying fun songs. The concerts also allow Music students to practice playing jazz music before an audience. 

The concerts are free to anyone and will continue as long as weather permits this semester. 

According to Professor of Music Heath Jones, Jazz Monday performances were established to create an enjoyable activity for students to make the beginning of their long week more enjoyable. It was a student-led project initiated by Music major Sam Vaughn, and local alumni have also performed with the students.

"This is a fun series of concerts for OC and the public," Jones said."It's great leadership by Sam. He's the best jazz musician in the state and maybe the Southwest U.S. He's the best jazz musician we've ever had, and we've had some great ones." 

Cameron Cox, another student in the Jazz Band, is enjoying the outdoor performances. 

“This is a great opportunity for us to grow as musicians and provide something for the community,” Cox said. “Before Covid, we would play in the Brew, but it was hard to play in that space without getting too loud. Trying to play quietly in a concrete resonating box - especially the trumpet and drums - was nearly impossible. So we wanted to find a way for students to enjoy the music as much as we did without it being too loud.”

For updates on additional Music Program performances, follow the OC Friends of Music Facebook page.