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Best of 2013: Jazz Band Visits Lithuania

A member of the UNO band

Omaha – It was a special year for UNO in 2013 with countless events, achievements, special guest visits and national recognitions for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Some of UNO's achievements in 2013 even took place overseas, as was the case with a week-long tour of Lithuania and Latvia in honor of the 15th anniversary of UNO's partnership with Siauliai (Sho-lay) University by UNO's Jazz combo.

Led by Pete Madsen, professor of music, the six-person combo performed across the Baltic for university representatives, local musicians and government dignitaries.

Students on this month’s tour included Sophomore Blake DeForest (trumpet), Sophomore Jason Moore-Smith (saxophone), Freshman Ben Tweedt (piano), Senior Garett Williams (bass), Sophomore Nate Van Fleet (drums) and Freshman Zac Pollett (percussion). They were joined by Pete Madsen, professor of music; BJ Reed, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs; Tom Gouttierre, dean of International Studies and Programs; Merry Ellen Turner, director of international programs; Ethel Williams, director of the School of Public Administration; and D. Scott Glasser, professor of theatre.

While touring, the UNO Jazz Combo impressed their crowds with renditions of “I Feel Good” by James Brown, “Route 66” by Bobby Troup and “Amigos Para Siempre,” which was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. The combo also performed with members of Siauliai University’s chorus, a Lithuanian folk-rock ensemble and some of the best jazz musicians Latvia.

The UNO tour also included visiting the famous Hill of Crosses outside of Siauliai, a friendly basketball game between the two universities and a yacht tour of the Baltic.

UNO’s partnership with Siauliai University was formed in March 1998 and has led to the exchange of 800 students, faculty and staff between the two institutions.

Related Links:
YouTube Video of Jazz Combo Performance
 UNO Music Department Homepage
 Siauliai University Homepage

Previous 'Best of 2013':
Baseball Wins Summit League