November 17, 2016

SEC Student Musicians to Perform During Football Championship Weekend

Students chosen to perform in the music ensemble have demonstrated award-winning competence in a range of music genres.

By: Bryant Welbourne
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

SEC student jazz musicians will comprise a special music ensemble scheduled to perform at two events during the 2016 SEC Football Championship weekend in Atlanta. The group will provide entertainment on Friday evening at the annual SEC Legends Dinner and on Saturday at the SEC Pregame Hospitality Party.

“The performing arts are an important component of the educational experience, and we are delighted to provide a showcase for these students and the SEC universities they represent,” said Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner. “The SEC is pleased to feature these talented young people, and this year’s student music ensemble is another example of our commitment to higher education.”

Students chosen to perform in the music ensemble were selected by their universities, and have demonstrated award-winning competence in a range of music genres. For the SEC Football Championship weekend, they will focus on standard jazz tunes.

“Being able to work and perform with other SEC university musicians is something I am proud to be part of,” said Anice Nemati-Baghestani, a student at the University of Missouri who will play alto saxophone in the ensemble.

The SEC student music ensemble is one of several collaborative efforts between SEC universities. For example, the SEC Faculty Travel Program focuses on collaboration in the areas of research and the arts, and the Library Sharing Agreement provides a mechanism for the exchange of digital music and other resources.

“The SEC student music ensemble is an amazing opportunity to artistically connect with our SEC universities, instructors and musicians,” said Scott Wilson, Associate Professor of Jazz at the University of Florida and the ensemble director. “The support of the SEC is truly innovative and we are thrilled to be part of the SEC Football Championship weekend.”