The American River College music department will be holding an instrumental jazz ensemble concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. The concert, which will be directed by Dyne Eifertsen, will be a tribute to Gerry Mulligan, a late saxophone player and songwriter.

“The studio jazz ensemble and jazz collective will be performing music from (Mulligan’s) repertoire, and will be based on his music — from the groups that he wrote for during that time, including his own group, The Dave Brubeck Quartet,” Eifertsen said.

It will showcase the Studio Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Collective Band and the Latin Jazz Ensemble, as well as special guests the Woodcreek High School Jazz Band, directed by Brad North.

“I’m always excited for these events, and it’s always fun to work with these students and put all this work into it and see what comes out of it. We’ve done a great job,” said Eifertsen.

The event will also showcase the work the students have done this semester.

“The concert is the last of the semester, and is showcasing all of the hard work the students put in during the semester. We worked hard to get it all together, and it (will be) the highlight of the semester,” Eifertsen added.

Clarence Clark IV, a music major, will be playing the tenor saxophone during tonight’s performance.

“I’m excited, but lightweight stressed, because (during) the first half of the semester, we had all of our classes to rehearse, and played all our songs for the other concerts. But for this one, we didn’t really have nearly as much time to rehearse due to the holidays, but we still have a lot of the songs together, (and) it should be a good show still,” said Clark.

Isaac Negret, a music major and saxophone player for the ARC Jazz collective, talked about the preparation for tonight’s concert.

“It’s been a challenge, because it’s working me to try harder,” Negret said. “It’s really fun just to see how experienced some of the players are. I’m excited for it.”

As for the jazz ensemble concerts, there are two tribute concerts per semester, and a few concerts that occur off-campus.

“(Every semester) it’s always different, with everything from a tribute to the Beatles, to Benny Carter,” said Eifertsen.

The concert will be held in the ARC theater and costs $8 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors.