"It is a good way to keep the community vibrant and give people an excuse to come out at night," he said.
The first portion of the concert will include selections from the group's usual repertoire, such as tunes by Count Basie, a leading figure during jazz's swing era, and a Queen cover.
"The Queen cover is the only -- that we're aware of -- jazz version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' " Hirsch said. "It's really cool."
After intermission, the group will play Hirsh's five-movement piece.
The first movement, "Lifeblood," is meant to represent the creek that runs through the heart of the park.
The other four movements express other aspects of the park, such as the suspension bridge and the ducks, through music, ending with, "Aspire," which sums up the vision and dream that went into creating the park.
Before the park was built in 1971, the area was essentially a slum full of dilapidated industrial buildings, Hirsch said. Community volunteers helped to make the park a reality.
The Valley Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece, non-conducted ensemble, composed of music teachers, community members and current Penn State music majors. The group was formed five years ago by Hirsch and Dan Yoder, Penn State's jazz studies director.
Paul Leskowicz, a trombonist and original group member, said he really enjoys being part of the group.
"[I like] the people, the music and the opportunity to play with great musicians," he said. "It's a vehicle for personal and collective expression of some of America's greatest music."
Though the group plays the first Tuesday of every month at the American Ale House & Grill in Toftrees, this event offers something rare to its audience, concert promoter Marisa Trembler said.
"How often do you get to go to a live concert and hear a new piece premiered, especially about something right here in Centre County?" she said.
Leskowicz also said there is something special about this performance.
While the Garman is not typically used as a performance space, an exception was made for the premier of Hirsch's composition.
"The historic nature of the venue and playing a piece of music that reflects on the history of town [makes it] a must to hear," he said.
Trembler said it's something different to do on the weekend.
"If you are a jazz lover, a music lover, it's always great to support music in the area, especially in a place as historic as the Garman," she said.
