Members of the Juilliard Ovation Society ushered in the holiday season on December 4 with a merry evening of music, courtesy of students from Juilliard’s new Jazz Studies program.

Victor Goines (far left) leading Jazz Studies students at the Ovation Society’s holiday gathering. (Photo by Emily O'Neill)

Hosted by the program’s director, Victor Goines, the Ovation Society’s annual holiday event featured a wonderful collection of seasonal favorites arranged by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, a Juilliard alumnus. In the jazz tradition, the musicians incorporated an innovative twist into each familiar tune. The program included impressive performances of such songs as Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bells, and Let it Snow. Also included was a charming rendition of the Christmas classic, O Tannenbaum. Mr. Goines explained that this version was a nod to the Salvation Army bands of old, who would play outside in cold weather for hours—an image brought perfectly to life by a slow tempo and dark, wintry tones.
 Though the Jazz Studies program is barely six months old, its students showed that they are already embracing the Juilliard custom of interdisciplinary collaboration. The evening’s performance of Silent Night featured a beautiful solo by vocal arts student Christine Clemmons; and the concert closed with a very “hip” reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by fourth-year actor Daniel Breaker, accompanied by the jazz ensemble. Featured musicians included Frank Basile, Adam Birnbaum, Dominick Farinacci, Diron Holloway, Brandon Lee, Michael Lucke, Ulysses Owens, Adam Niewood, Craig Polasko, and Erica vonKleist. 

Following the concert, the musicians and Ovation Society members moved into the Marble Lobby for a festive holiday dinner. There, members had the opportunity to mingle with the performers and learn more about their artistic backgrounds. Before the evening came to a close, President Joseph Polisi and Victor Goines hosted an informal question-and-answer session. Guests showed a particular interest in the jazz students’ diverse musical and educational experiences, and how their curriculum differs from that of a classical music student. President Polisi closed the evening by remarking that, though jazz had been a part of Juilliard for less than a year, he could not imagine the School without it.
 The Ovation Society’s holiday presentation and dinner was the second of this season’s series of member events. The Ovation Society was formed for the express purpose of providing performing arts enthusiasts with behind-the-scenes access to Juilliard. Many other benefits accompany Ovation Society membership, including special ticket privileges and invitations to master classes. For more information, call the Public Affairs and Development Office at (212) 799-5000, ext. 278, or log onto our Web site: www.Juilliard.edu/giving.

Emily O’Neill is assistant director of annual giving.