SOUTHEAST JAZZ ENSEMBLE TO PLAY IN PRE-INAUGURAL SHOW

The Southeast Studio Jazz Ensemble will perform Sunday at a pre-inaugural show narrated by actor Martin Sheen and to include remarks by Gov.-elect Bob Holden.

The two-act, two-hour show will present a tribute to the late Gov. Mel Carnahan and vignettes covering the state's history from the fur trade to the civil rights movement. Titled "One Bright Future, One Missouri -- A Reflection of Missouri's Rich History," the show will begin at 7 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

Holden heard the Southeast jazz group perform with jazz legend Clark Terry at Southeast's commencement exercises in December. Holden spoke at the commencement, where Terry received an honorary degree. Director Barry Bernhardt, just back from conducting the halftime show at the Orange Bowl, said the group is very honored to be chosen for the show.

"We're really flattered that Gov.-elect Holden would want us to be part of this event, and especially to play with Clark Terry," he said.

The 20-member ensemble's rhythm section will accompany Terry on "St. Louis Blues" during a vignette titled "W.C. Handy and Blues." The entire group also will perform with Terry at other times during the show.

Terry is a St. Louis native who gained fame playing with Count Basie and Duke Ellington and with the "Tonight Show" band.

"What a great thing for our kids to have this opportunity," Bernhardt said.

The elite jazz ensemble also has been chosen to perform for the Missouri Music Educators convention at the end of the month at Tan-Tar-A.

The musicians are: Jami Castor, Amy Arnold, Dennis Mayberry, Paul Johnson, Shelley Layton, Jared Prost, Matt Martin, Rob Giles, Bobby Abernathy, Paul Trupka, Josh Miller, Aaron Chandler, Darren Burgfeld, Chad Armbruster, Tony Dorsett, Matt Yount, Sam Godwin, Bryan Davidson and Brian Brinker and Dana Johnson.

Former Southeast student Neal Boyd, now attending the University of Missouri at Columbia, also will perform during the event. He will sing "Lift Every Voice" during the part of the show dedicated to civil rights.