OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is hosting a free jazz invitational concert on Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. in the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC).
The event will feature performances by the OCCC Student Jazz Ensemble, U.S. Grant High School Jazz Band and the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Jazz Ensemble.
“The Jazz Invitational was started by three local music educators who wanted to get their groups together for a shared end-of-year event, creating a way for our student musicians to connect and have some fun,” said Michael Boyle, professor of music at OCCC. “Having a high school group, a community college group, and a four-year university group shows the various levels of local talent and provides networking and recruiting opportunities for the students and educators alike.”
“Any opportunity for these young musicians to perform is a gift,” said Tom Cortes, director of bands, U.S. Grant High School. “We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to perform and thankful to OCCC for hosting this event.”
“SWOSU Jazz Orchestra always looks forward to this concert! The OCCC students and staff are so welcoming and professional, and what a wonderful space to play a swingin’ show,” said Dr. Richard Tirk, professor of trumpet and jazz, SWOSU. “Our students really enjoy the comradery of this festival, where they get to experience America’s unique art music with a variety of like-minded performers.”
Tickets are not needed for this free, open-seating event. The VPAC is a 1,049-seat, state-of-the-art theater space located on the north end of the OCCC campus. Parking is free.
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students in credit-seeking courses and more than 5,000 students in non-credit-seeking programs, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer 87 degree and certificate programs plus more than 50 micro-credentials that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.
Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
405-834-5406
sarah.barrow@occc.edu