Syncopation Showcases Jazz Standards and Popular Contemporary Pieces in Spring Concert

The concert serves as a farewell to director Emily Merrell in her last semester at BYU.  The School of Music’s vocal jazz ensemble, Syncopation, will perform both classic and contemporary favorites in their Madsen Recital Hall concert on March 29. “This concert set was designed to be a showstopper,” said Mckenna Clausen, the pianist for the group. “We’re showcasing the best selection of music that we can choose from. We have a wide variety of songs — some big band, some modern jazz and some that fall in the middle. I think there’s something that everyone can enjoy in this concert.” Clausen and lead soprano Eliza Lahti hope that the Syncopation concert helps audiences find a new or deeper appreciation for jazz music. “Jazz is a very contemporary thing,” said Lahti. “We have these amazing jazz standards that we love to sing, but there’s so much still going on today. It might be different from what people first think of with jazz, but I want them to give it a chance. I think they’ll be really surprised by what they hear and find that they really enjoy it.” Clausen performed as a jazz vocalist in high school and is grateful for the chance to return to the genre. “Syncopation has been such a blessing for me,” she said. “I’m rediscovering all the reasons I love jazz. It’s a passion that can only be fulfilled by sharing it with others.” The spring concert is bittersweet for the group as director Emily Merrell approaches the end of her last semester teaching at BYU. “We’re going to miss Emily a lot,” said Lahti. “She’s incredible and always brings a great spirit to our rehearsals and concerts. She helps everyone feel included and understand what’s going on, but also lets you have your own experience and develop your own opinions. We’re sad to lose her, but we’re so excited to have this last concert with her.” In addition to her successful efforts to build Syncopation’s reputation in the jazz world and to release a debut album, Merrell has taken great care to foster a culture of trust and unity within the ensemble. “Syncopation has been such a special group for me,” said Lahti. “The music that we make gets really personal sometimes — as we’ve struggled with different things, we’re able to come together as a group, open up to each other and use music to help us get through it.” Tickets and Show Details Performance Dates and Times: March 29 | 7:30 p.m. Location: Madsen Recital Hall, Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $7 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC or Marriott Center Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981 or online at byuarts.com