West Point's Jazz Knights to present composers forum on Jan. 12 and 13

Marlboro — The West Point Band’s Jazz Knights will present their first Jazz Composers Forum on Jan. 12 and 13, at the Falcon Jazz Club in Marlboro. It will consist of a two-day workshop intended to encourage new music composition for large jazz ensemble, and to offer experienced writers the chance to explore their craft with the guidance of jazz composer/arranger Jim McNeely and the resources of a live rehearsal band (the Jazz Knights). The forum will finish with an evening concert on Thursday, Jan. 13 ,at 8 p.m. at the jazz club, which will feature the Jazz Knights performing the original music of Jim McNeely and the participants. This concert is free and open to the public. As a pianist McNeely has enjoyed long-term affiliations with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (later Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra), the Stan Getz Quartet, and the Phil Woods Quintet. Call 938-2617 or visit www.westpointband.com.