Jazzy tunes of high-pitched horns, relentless thudding of beating drums and the mellow twangs of piano are sounds of the tune-filled tradition that will be displayed at 8 p.m. Thursday in Shryock Auditorium as part of the SIUC Jazz Band’s fall concert.

Bob Allison, the band’s director of 15 years, said the semesterly show gives music students a chance to show off the musical talents they have acquired throughout the semester.

This is one big concert, he said. The SIUC Jazz Band has done everything from the Lincoln Academy Celebration to Pinch Penny. This concert in Shryock Auditorium is more formal than playing in such places.

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The SIUC Jazz Band Concert, sponsored by the School of Music, consists of two 18-student ensembles.

Performed in the first ensemble are 12 tunes, including a song once performed by the Count Bassie Band. And in the second ensemble, five tunes featuring a song written for Dizzy Gillespie, Blues Ballad, will be performed.

They’re a very good group, and they play very well, Allison said. It gives the students some practice. For those music majors, it is crucial for them.

Traditionally, a guest jazz artist is invited to perform with the band each year. For this show, Rita Warford will sing with one of the ensembles, not only as an entertaining artist, but also as a learning tool.

We usually have a guest singer because it is good for the students, Allison said. It’s fun for them, and they learn from it as well.

Guest artists for previous concerts include jazz educator and saxophonist Jamie Aebersold and Chicagoan trumpeter Art Davis.

Warford, who recently performed in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, said she is delighted to sing with the jazz band. She will sing songs including Teach Me Tonight, Time After Time and I’ll Remember.

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Although I have worked outside of SIUC, I’m excited because it is an ensemble of young, very serious and talented musicians, Warford said.

Allison said the SIUC Jazz Band’s positive reflection comes from hard work throughout the semester.

It is a matter of being prepared, Allison said. One is either prepared or not. [The concert] gives students practice while learning to play this music in the correct style.

Warford said that after rehearsing with the band, she is overwhelmed with the group’s positive demeanor.

They have a very professional attitude, and they play very well, she said. And professionalism has to do with attitude.

Confident that this year’s jazz band is more than prepared, Allison said the concert is one that all music lovers should attend.

There’s a fairly wide variety of jazz music inside the jazz idiom, he said. People can hear some great music and a great singer.

Tickets for the SIUC Jazz Band Concert are available at Shryock Auditorium and the Student Center Ticket Office. Tickets are $3 for the public and $2 for students, children and senior citizens.