Warning: If you are going to walk into The House on a Wednesday night around 9 p.m., you better have your bags packed. You’ll take a trip into space and the inner depths of your mind.

“Just approach the trip with an open mind and an open heart,” says a voice from behind the curtain.

-We know what is coming because we can hear the short bursts of trumpets and saxophones. Then it hits with full force. That’s right, we’re talking about jazz.

Jazz doesn’t always have to make sense, and it doesn’t always have to display one distinct sound, and Jazz Arranging Syndicate, a group of NIU jazz students, is living proof.

For about a year and a half, these musicians have been playing their own original jazz music at The House. It started in a jazz arranging class and grew from there. But the music doesn’t end after their one hour performance. Anyone who has the sensation to play an instrument can go on stage and let it all out jazz-style.

So why should you go to The House to watch these guys play for a couple of hours?

“All original music,” said Chris Veilleux, a senior jazz studies major and saxophone player for the group.

While Veilleux’s answer was short and sweet, junior jazz studies major and percussionist Chris Smith had a different answer.

“They owe it to themselves,” said Smith of all those who haven’t seen the group play before. “What else are they gonna do on a Wednesday night?”

From the first song of the night, “Mingling in the Depths of High Society,” listeners know exactly what is in store. The feeling of disorganization and panic melts into a smooth road of textures and intricate rhythms. This is a strange trip indeed, but strange isn’t a bad thing.

Jazz Arranging Syndicate has spent a lot of time studying this art form and they plan to continue it in some way when they graduate.

“Play, write, teach,” Veilluex said about his future in jazz.

“I plan to play back in Milwaukee,” said senior music major Joel Kral, who plays keyboard in the group.

These guys are worth anyone’s attention. They sound like pros, yet they have only been playing together for less than two years. Next Wednesday, if you finish your studying early, or if alcohol doesn’t sound too appealing, head over to The House for an enjoyable, musical evening.