Pfeiffer University News Service
MISENHEIMER ó Not long after Pfeiffer University’s May 10 commencement, Salisbury’s David Kirby, other music faculty and students from Pfeiffer’s jazz ensemble and combos again headed to the Gulf Coast for a week of performances and mission work.
The Pfeiffer University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Ed Kiefer, director of instrumental music and assistant professor, traveled to Mississippi and New Orleans the week of May 11-18. Kirby, an associate professor of music, also performs with the ensemble.
Members of the ensemble assisted with projects like hanging sheetrock and helping to rebuild houses that Hurricane Katrina destroyed more than two years ago.
“Last year, much time was devoted to clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” Kiefer said. “Even now, there is still much work to do. This year, the Pfeiffer group worked on new construction projects, as residents continue to rebuild.”
In addition to building their calluses with physical labor, the Jazz Ensemble and combos performed for Camp Coastal relief workers in Kiln, Miss.
They also tooted their horns several times in New Orleans, first at Washington Artillery Park in the French Quarter, near Jackson Square and the Cathedral.
Then officials asked the ensemble to perform during a special Armed Services Day Celebration at the National D-Day Museum, and at the prestigious Palm Court Café, one of the most famous Jazz venues in New Orleans.
Pfeiffer students who took part in the trip were: Kerri Baker, of Statesville; Emily Litaker, of Wadesboro; Michael Hamilton, of Lexington; Brandon Snow, Ashley Timmons, Josh Carmichael, Jennifer Shirling and Gabby Riggs, all of Thomasville; James Shepherd and Danny Melo, of Albemarle; Carrie Mercer, of Rockingham; Kevin Allen, of King; and Ben Kiefer, of High Point.
The Jazz Ensemble recently performed at the Wilmington Jazz Festival, where students James Shepherd, Robert McKinney and Nathan Brooks received outstanding soloist awards.