Jazz Luminaries Ignite WIUC-Ghana's Debut Night
By Shine Esi Kwawukumey
Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-Ghana) struck a harmonious chord on the evening of Thursday, March 20th, by hosting its inaugural Jazz Night a vibrant testament to the university's dedication to broadening its musical horizons.
Set against the backdrop of the administration forecourt, this pioneering event marked the Music Department's official embrace of jazz, drawing an impressive assembly of students, faculty, and local jazz enthusiasts.
A collaborative effort between WIUC-Ghana’s School of Communication Studies' Music Department, the Ghana Jazz Foundation, and the GhJazz Collective, Jazz Night stood out as a highlight of the university’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary festivities.
Opening Performance by the Music School |
The evening unfolded with an opening performance by the Music Department, setting an inviting tone.
The spotlight then shifted to the GhJazz Collective, featuring accomplished artists: Bernard Ayisa on saxophone, Victor Dey on piano, Gaddiel Amoah on bass, and Frank Kissi on drums.
Their dynamic renditions of classic and contemporary jazz pieces captivated the audience, inspiring spontaneous claps, dance, and engagement.
Elvis Black |
Trumpeter Elvis Black of the GhJazz Collective shared his enthusiasm:
“The audience was amazing! Jazz is not for everybody, but they cheered us on, which means they truly understand and appreciate jazz music."
"I’m thrilled that jazz is being introduced as a course in the Music Department."
"This will help more people in Ghana learn about and appreciate jazz for what it is.”
The remarkable turnout surprised many attendees.
Simon, an accounts staff member at WIUC-Ghana, remarked:
“It was a nice program; at least we got to listen to some old tunes and enjoy the melodies."
"I was surprised by the attendance because I initially thought only a few people would come."
I think this should become a yearly event, maybe even as an end-of-year party for staff and students to enjoy good music.”
John, an IT student, echoed this sentiment:
“The program was awesome! The attendance was massive, and the musicians were super.”
Beyond a night of entertainment, Jazz Night signified a pivotal advancement in WIUC-Ghana’s music education.
By integrating jazz into its curriculum, the university showcases its commitment to diversifying musical studies and immersing students in varied genres.
This initiative is poised to deepen the appreciation of jazz in Ghana and inspire students to explore careers within this rich musical tradition.
The success of this inaugural event has sparked optimism for Jazz Night to become an annual fixture at WIUC-Ghana.
As the university celebrates 25 years of excellence, such cultural and artistic endeavors underscore its dedication to enriching student life beyond academics.
If the enthusiasm and turnout of this year’s event are any indicators, Jazz Night is on track to become a cherished tradition, harmonizing education with cultural celebration at WIUC-Ghana.
Comments
Post a Comment