Dr. Steve Shanley will perform with Wayne State's Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Fortis, and Lyrica.
Jazz pianist Dr. Steve Shanley and four Wayne State College ensembles will present “The Music of Steve Shanley” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in Ramsey Theatre, located in the Peterson Fine Arts Building at Wayne State. The concert features solo performances by Shanley, and it is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed.
The program will be accessible by selecting the event from the Upcoming Music Events list on the Music Department page.
An acclaimed composer, arranger and pianist, Shanley’s works have been performed by instrumental and choral groups worldwide and published by prestigious music companies.
Wayne State’s Jazz Ensemble presents Shanley’s soulful gospel rock “Testifyin’.” The Chamber Choir performs his arrangement of Harry Connick, Jr.’s whimsical “We Are in Love,” with Fortis delivering the African American spiritual “Gospel Train.” Lyrica sings Shanley’s arrangement of Liz Callaway’s “You There in the Back Row (13 Days to Broadway),” a song of perseverance and hope.
Michael Genslinger, instructor of music and assistant director of bands at Wayne State, will direct the Jazz Ensemble. Dr. Matthew Armstrong, director of choral activities at Wayne State, will direct the choirs, with assistance from Wayne State’s collaborative pianist Shelly Armstrong.
With a catalog of more than 2,000 works, Shanley juggles an active schedule as guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, consultant, and pianist. As professor of music, he coordinates the music education and jazz studies programs at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and serves as conductor of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. His extensive experience includes teaching middle and high school music, contributing author and editor of musical education literature, distinguished award recipient, and podcaster.
For more information, contact the Wayne State Department of Music at 402-375-7359.