The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble will be performing a concert together, titled “A Double-Bill,” featuring special guest artist Allen Vizzutti, world renowned trumpet virtuoso.

The concert will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Angelle Auditorium. Admission to the concert is free. 

Vizzutti will be performing two dazzling works accompanied by the University Wind Ensemble, and four tunes accompanied by UL Lafayette Jazz Ensemble. 

Several of the works that will be played are also his very own compositions.

Vizzutti’s four-day visit to Lafayette will also include clinics for UL Lafayette students and local high schools.

His mini-residency is sponsored by UL Lafayette Concerts Committee, Lafayette Music, UL Lafayette Bands and the Yamaha Corporation. 

Vizzutti is one of the world’s top trumpet virtuosos and is a rare artist that is equally at home with classical and jazz styles. 

According to his biography, he has performed with a rainbow of artists and ensembles including Chick Corea, the NBC Tonight Show Band and the New Tokyo Philharmonic.

During his fulfilling career, Vizzutti has also had an extensive schedule of guest appearances throughout North America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. 

His love of expression through composition has led to premier performances by groups such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic of London.

Vizzutti has also performed on over 150 motion picture soundtracks such as “Back to the Future” and “Star Trek,” as well as countless television shows, commercials and recordings with artists such as Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. 

A few members of the University Wind Ensemble have expressed their excitement in meeting Vizzutti and being able to perform alongside him.

Trumpet player Riley Hopkins, a freshman majoring in music business, shared “This is like a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s very exciting and surreal, it makes the college experience.”

Dr. William Hochkeppel, director of bands, stated, “If you’re a trumpet player like he (Hopkins) is, you’re getting to meet the big star.”

It certainly is most exciting to welcome a guest artist of such high caliber. 

Vizzutti is sure to have an immense amount of knowledge to offer, especially to young aspiring musicians like Hopkins, during his short visit.

As Vizzutti will only be arriving in Lafayette a few days before the day of the concert, the University Wind Ensemble and UL Lafayette Jazz Ensemble are only able to have one day to rehearse with him. 

When asked how the bands have been rehearsing without Vizzutti, Hochkeppel shared, “We have to rehearse it for the most part without ever hearing what he does.”

Even though it may have been an obstacle to tackle, not being able to physically rehearse with Vizzutti, this has however enhanced the curiosity and excitement of the band members. 

Horn player Grant Roper, a junior in music theory and composition, expressed, “My favorite memory is coming from playing “My Italian Heart” and hearing Dr. Hochkeppel explain here is what Vizzutti is going to do when we rehearse with him and so it makes me further look forward to meeting him, rehearsing with him and seeing how the piece kind of clicks once he joins us.”

The University Wind Ensemble and UL Lafayette Jazz Ensemble have been tirelessly working towards this concert, ensuring they put their utmost effort into creating a wonderful show. 

Throughout their preparation journey, the band members have also made precious memories and forged a closer connection with one another. 

Percussion player August Bailey IV, a freshman majoring in music business, shared, “We all had such a good time, we’re laughing, we’re smiling, we’re practicing, it’s just really fun to play, it was a good memory because we all kind of just connected a lot more in that moment.” 

As there is a strong sense of unity within the ensemble members, the audience can look forward to hearing them play in harmonious and melodious unison.

The University Wind Ensemble, founded 30 years ago by Dr. Hochkeppel is an elite ensemble of the school’s finest wind and percussion players. They have been featured at invitational festivals across central France and the Riviera, as well as a nine-day tour of the Central Highlands of Mexico. 

The UL Lafayette Bands include The Pride of Acadiana Marching Band, Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, two Pep Bands and the UL Lafayette Jazz Ensemble.

Although the UL Lafayette Bands have been upholding a strong reputation and recognized for their immense potential, many people on campus still lack knowledge of the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.

“We wish that everybody knew what we have happening here,” Hochkeppel said.

This concert would be an excellent opportunity for students to hear both the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as learn more about them.

Students can be sure to be blown away by the symphonic tunes played by the two ensembles as they accompany Vizzutti.