VALDOSTA — Before this weekend’s push of Christmas shows, Valdosta State University Jazz Ensemble performs a concert of non-holiday music and all that jazz.

The Jazz Ensemble features 21 VSU Music students performing classic jazz tunes as well as a world premiere of new music, said David Springfield, VSU director of jazz studies.

Joren Cain, VSU assistant professor of saxophone, composed the piece.

It is his first composition for the Jazz Ensemble.

“(Cain) is not performing on the piece, but he has worked with the band during the rehearsal process,” Springfield said. “The concert has a mix of newer pieces and historically important jazz compositions by Duke Ellington and Gil Evans.”

Regarding the Ellington piece, the Jazz Ensemble will perform Springfield’s new arrangement of “Caravan.”

In celebration of Savannah-born songwriter Johnny Mercer’s centennial birthday, the Jazz Ensemble will perform “Skylark.”

“Many of the selections illustrate the influence of Latin and Caribbean music on the jazz style,” Springfield said.

The Jazz Ensemble concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today, Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Admission: Free.