KINGSTON, R.I. — March 1, 2013 — Some of the finest student jazz musicians in the state will be performing a free concert on Wednesday, March 20, and the public is invited. Hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Music, the senior and junior divisions of the Rhode Island All-State Jazz Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the concert hall of the URI Fine Arts Center at 105 Upper College Road, Kingston.

These junior and senior high school jazz musicians, chosen by individual audition last fall, have been rehearsing since January to present the concert. Each division will come together with their respective guest director for a final combined rehearsal day that will also offer them the benefits and atmosphere of a master class before the concert. Noted saxophonist and jazz teacher Jared Sims, who teaches in the URI Jazz Program, will direct the junior division. Concert director for the senior division will be Dan Yoder, director of Jazz Studies at Penn State School of Music.

The RI All-State Jazz Band is organized and sponsored by the Rhode Island Music Educators Association (RIMEA), who also oversee the audition process.

The URI concert hall is handicap accessible, and parking is available in the Fine Arts lot behind the center off Bills Road. For more information, contact the URI Department of Music at (401) 874-2431 or check the website: www.uri.edu/music.