Freed from classes, assignments and meetings during spring break, many students enjoyed their week off by lounging by the beach or simply relaxing. George Malek did something different.
Malek (senior-physics) devoted his free week to composing a song that will be performed at the Centre Dimensions concert at 8 tonight in Esber Recital Hall.
The premier Penn State jazz ensemble will back vocalist Kaitlyn Lusk (freshman-musical theatre) as she sings the original song "For Her," and two other jazz selections.
Malek said the song was inspired by a jazz ballad called "To You" by Thad Jones featuring simple lyrics about the wishful thinking someone might experience while in love.
"You're thinking about somebody so much and wondering if they're thinking about you," he said.
Malek, a guitarist with Centre Dimensions, said when he arranged the music and lyrics, he "automatically assumed" Lusk would be performing the vocals.
"Kaitlyn is just an incredibly gifted singer," he said. "She ended up taking it and making it her own. She's fabulous."
Lusk will also lead the ensemble in "'Deed I Do," a song famously performed by Ella Fitzgerald.
The singer said she didn't want to simply replicate Fitzgerald's version.
"She's just an extraordinary singer and being able to bring my own style and voice and personality to it is difficult," Lusk said.
This will be the second time the musical theater major will perform with Centre Dimensions. She said she is glad to have to opportunity to take a break from Broadway tunes to perform with the talented group.
"They do so many different types of jazz, whether it's Cuban hip or New York chic," Lusk said. "They do it so well and they bring their own personalities to it."
Dan Yoder, Centre Dimensions director and Penn State professor, said having a singer adds another dimension to the band.
"It's always great to have a singer, especially when you have someone the quality of Kaitlyn," he said.
As the final concert of the year, Yoder said he will try to feature each of the group's seven instrumentalists who will not be returning to play next fall.
Malek, one of those departing members, said the last few rehearsals leading up to the concert were bittersweet.
"These last few rehearsals we've just been soaking it in," he said. "It's going to be sad, but we'll have one last really great concert."
Malek said his time in Centre Dimensions has felt more like jamming with a garage band than being forced to play for class credit.
"It's been one of the best projects I've ever been involved in," he said.
Yoder said the concert will also feature tunes popularized by John Coltrane, Benny Goodman and Stan Kenton in addition to an original composition of his, called "I Like Pie."
He said the title comes from his grandson, who replies to questions he doesn't want to answer with the phrase.
