The McDaniel College Music Department will hold its first in a series of jazz concerts at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Carroll County Arts Council in Westminster.

It will feature McDaniel faculty members Glenn Caldwell on sax, Tim Jenkins on guitar, Eric Byrd on piano, Jon Seligman on the drums, and Director of College Jazz Ensembles Bo Eckard on bass. The concert will showcase original compositions from each band member.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $5 for seniors and students with ID.

Proceeds support the William J. Byrd scholarship, given to a Carroll County high school graduate or community college student who wishes to minor in Jazz Studies at McDaniel College.

Music Lecturer Eric Byrd established the fund in 2003 to honor his father's life-long love of jazz.

"I am convinced there is a hunger in this community for jazz music presented in a respectful way," says Byrd. "And the jazz faculty has had many discussions about attracting more students to the (jazz studies) minor. So why not invite the community to the arts council, promote the scholarship with my dad…and play a gig?"

Before the concert, faculty will hold a free jazz improvisational clinic at Coffey Music in Westminster. The clinic begins at 4pm.

The jazz concert series continues throughout the school year, with a holiday-themed concert Dec. 18. A well renowned jazz musician or group will play on March 26, 2006, and a Latin-themed concert is June 11, 2006. Series tickets are on sale for $30.

For more information, visit:

http://www.carrollcommunityfoundation.org/