Campbellsville University’s School of Music faculty showed off their jazz chops during a concert on Sept. 11 at Gheens Recital Hall.

The quartet featured Dr. Chad Floyd on percussion, Dr. Saulo Moura on cello, Dr. Denis Santos on saxophone, and Joshua Parker on electric guitar.

“We always play standard jazz repertoire,” said Santos. “Chikara, Miles Davis, the jazz giants.”

The quartet took on complex and rhythmic tunes like “All Blue” by Miles Davis, which allowed Santos to let loose and fill the room with the growl of his saxophone. Santos, Moura and Floyd all agreed that the energetic beat of “Arthur e o Gigante” composed by Arthur Maia was their favorite piece of the night.

“The composer of this piece was a bass player that I followed in my early life,” Moura said. “It works really well for the band and bass.”

Genres like hip-hop and bebop were also mixed into the group’s performance.

Santos said it’s his passion for music that inspired him to teach at Campbellsville University.

“I’ve been a part of Campbellsville’s music program as both student and faculty member for about 18 years,” he said. “Through the years, the faculty members are constantly committed to their students, which always makes a good environment.”

The School of Music faculty would all agree that commitment to students is crucial, especially for those students who are dedicated to a certain passion, such as music.

“It’s a very good second family where everyone enjoys music,” Parker said. “The best part about being here is passing my love and knowledge to students.”

According to Parker, picking up an instrument at an early age can impact students later in life.

“Both of my parents were musicians, so I started playing young,” he said. Expression of music can also be used as a form of worship, according to Santos.

“I feel like the music I play is for the Lord,” he said. “It’s a translation of who I am.”