Jazz Bands Unite For Concert

John Brodie To Be Honored

On Wednesday, April 17, the community is invited to an evening of jazz at Memorial Hall on the campus of Virginia Military Institute as the Maury River Middle School, Lylburn Downing Middle School and Rockbridge County High School jazz bands unite with the VMI Commanders Jazz Ensemble for a concert from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Directed by Matthew Schucker, Karen Doyle, Miranda Fitzgerald and Col. John Brodie respectively, these musicians will showcase their skills with individual performances before joining forces for an exciting finale. Pre-concert master classes led by University of Lynchburg faculty member Dr. Chris Magee will add an extra dimension to the event.

This year’s concert holds particular significance as it bids farewell to Brodie, the director of the VMI Commanders Jazz Ensemble, who will be retiring after 36 years of service. While at VMI, Brodie has led the regimental band in thousands of parades both on and off post. Other highlights of his career also include Macy’s Day parades, Rose Bowl parades, Mardi Gras parades, and performances throughout Europe, China, Japan, Russia, Brazil, and Puerto Rico.