The Moorpark College Jazz Ensembles are preparing rigorously for their live show, “All About Jazz,” that will be held on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. in the main theatre of the Performing Arts Center at Moorpark College.

The Moorpark Jazz Ensembles are incredibly talented groups of students who have won several awards in the past including first place at the Reno Jazz Festival during spring 2014.

Moorpark College’s Jazz program provides a fun learning experience to any students interested in this particular genre of music. The Jazz Ensemble includes the Jazz B Band, Jazz A Band, and the Jazz Combo.

All Jazz Bands will be performing in the upcoming show.

Brendan McMullin, director of the Jazz program, promises a variety of songs for the audience.

“The repertoire we will perform includes numbers made famous by Benny Golson, Herbie Hancock, the Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Buddy Rich Big Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and the Phil Collins Big Band,” said McMullin. “[The audience] will also hear arrangements of classic popular music from artists such as Stevie Wonder and the Average White Band.”

These music legends have an incredible catalog, thus making it easy to ensure the audience leaves with a smile.

“Listeners will not be disappointed,” said James J. Song, the Chair of the Music/Dance department at Moorpark College. “Each concert is a unique experience, and this performance will put everyone attending in a festive mood fitting for the holidays.”

All students interested in music at Moorpark College are invited to join the program and begin preparing themselves for a career in music. Some former students have gone on to attend the Berklee School of Music in Boston, University of Southern California, and University of California Los Angeles.

As for plans for the upcoming year, the Ensemble has also been invited to perform at the Jazz Ensemble Network Conference in Jan. 2015.

“[JEN] is an international four-day-long event held once per year that attracts the top jazz players, educators, vendors, and researchers from all over the world,” said McMullin. “The keynote speaker this year is Herbie Hancock.”

“All About Jazz” will last two hours and if last year’s turnout is any indication of the upcoming performance, then audience members can expect a packed house.

The live show will be held in the main theatre in the Performing Arts Center on campus, and is a show students don’t want to miss. For additional information and ticket sales, visit: www.moorparkcollege.edu/PAC.