DeKalb | The All University Jazz Band and Latin Jazz Ensemble will combine as one for an upcoming School of Music concert.

Michael Mixtacki, Latin Jazz Ensemble director, said Thursday’s concert will feature a variety of music from throughout the Americas.

“I am so excited for the students to showcase their hard work for people to enjoy.” Mixtacki said.

Mixtacki has run the Latin Jazz Ensemble for four years.

“This is the largest [ensemble] I have had since I started teaching at NIU, including several percussionists, multiple keyboard players, brass and woodwinds plus a student who plays steel pan.”

Mixtacki said he likes to choose arrangements that encourage the audience to dance. The first set will consist of American big band jazz arrangements and the second will feature selections of Latin Jazz and Latin dance music influenced by Cuba and Puerto Rico.

The Latin Jazz Ensemble will perform three compositions made famous by artists Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente and Wayne Wallace.

Christopher Leach, graduate jazz performance student, said students have been practicing for the showcase all semester.

“This is a performance that I am looking forward to. I am very fond of the composers like Duke Ellington and Woody Herman,” Leach said.

Robert Cooper, senior music education and jazz studies double major, said the concert will provide an opportunity to be exposed to music from other cultures. Cooper has played fix trumpet with the Latin Jazz ensemble for two years.

“Anyone who comes out Thursday is sure to have a great time. The music is fun and highly danceable,” Cooper said.