Wayne State University Big Band and Concert Chorale will perform the world premiere of Suite Justice, an original jazz composition by WSU professor Russell Miller at First Presbyterian Church of Farmington on Sunday February 22, 2009, 4:00 pm.

Suite Justice includes eight pieces representing each of the beatitudes from Matthew (5: 3-10) wherein the strengths of the Concert Chorale and the Big Band are combined in a presentation of original jazz compositions that reflect the composer's thoughts and feelings about these teachings. The rhythm and inflection of the text of each of the beatitudes suggests a melodic shape and song form that allows for musical expression of the idea. Employment of a wide range of musical textures - a Capella chorus, vocal solo, chorus with jazz band, full jazz band, small ensemble and jazz soloists - provide variety from piece to piece while the treatment of the text assists in maintaining continuity.

Saxophonist, flutist, composer and arranger Russell Miller teaches jazz improvisation, jazz bands and arranging and orchestration classes at Wayne State. His 30-year professional music career includes performances with Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy DeFranco, J.C. Heard, Rob McConnell, Jon Faddis, Joe Williams, Milt Hinton, Rosemary Clooney and Sammy Davis Jr. among others. Miller has also performed with his own group and guest artists at the Detroit International Jazz Festival,
the Michigan Jazz Festival, Music on the Plaza in Grosse Pointe and at various local venues.

Recorded performances include: J.C. Heard Orchestra - Some of This, Some of That (Hiroko Records), Bill Heid - Wet Streets (Savant Records), John Cooper Orchestra - Baecker Jazz Worship Service (Baecker Music Productions) and on Jeannine Miller's recently released recording Two For The Road (PKO Records) which in addition to featuring Miller on sax and flute, features his arrangements of classic jazz standards for big band, woodwinds, brass, strings
and jazz quartet.

Big Band performs a wide range of traditional and contemporary repertoire. Led by Professor Christopher Collins, the elite ensemble has performed to sold-out concerts with the legendary Joe Lovano and his quartet at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Max M. Fisher Music Center and to enthusiastic audiences on the main stage of the Detroit International Jazz Festival with Diane Schuur and Kurt Elling.

Concert Chorale, a highly selected mixed ensemble of 30+ voices under the direction of Dr. Norah V. Duncan IV, performs a diverse and demanding repertoire literature of the 16th through 20th centuries including compositions with orchestra and works in contemporary formats. The Concert Chorale has performed and recorded internationally, including featured performances at festivals in the Central and Eastern Europe.

No tickets are required for this outstanding musical event. Donations will be accepted at the door (suggestion: $10 per person, $25 per family); all donations will go directly to the WSU Music Program. First Presbyterian Church is located at 26165 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills, at the northwest corner of Eleven Mile and Farmington Roads. Ample free parking is available on site, and the entire facility is barrier free and handicap accessible.

Information about the Wayne State University Department of Music is available at the WSU web site: http://music.wayne.edu/. Information about the Performing Arts Series at First Presbyterian Church of Farmington is available at the church's website: www.farmington-pres.org.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.