WEST CHESTER, PA — The sound of big band swing and classic jazz will fill the halls of West Chester University this summer as generations of musicians return to campus for a milestone celebration decades in the making.
The 40th Annual Criterions Alumni Reunion Concert will bring alumni of West Chester University’s celebrated Criterions Jazz Ensemble back to the stage on Thursday, July 16, offering the community a free evening of live music while honoring both the ensemble’s enduring legacy and the University’s upcoming 100 Years of Jazz celebration.
Held in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, the annual reunion has become a cherished tradition since its founding in 1986 by H. Lee Southall, former faculty director of the Criterions. What began as a way for graduates to continue making music together has grown into a summer homecoming that reunites performers spanning multiple decades of the ensemble’s history.
“This year’s reunion is especially meaningful as we celebrate both the 40th Alumni Reunion Concert and prepare for 100 Years of Jazz at West Chester University,” said Dave DiValentino, director of the Criterions Alumni Jazz Ensemble. “The alumni concert reflects everything that makes the Criterions special—musical excellence, friendship, tradition, and a commitment to carrying this legacy forward for future generations.”
Audience members can expect an evening filled with classic swing, big band favorites, and jazz standards performed by alumni who once sat in the same rehearsal rooms and performed on the same stages during their student years.
Adding to the celebration, the concert will open with a performance by the Camp Big Band, featuring talented young musicians participating in West Chester University’s Summer Jazz Camp. Their appearance highlights the University’s continued commitment to jazz education and mentorship, connecting the next generation of performers with a century-long musical tradition.
The reunion concert also serves as a preview of a historic milestone later this year. From Nov. 6-8, West Chester University will celebrate 100 Years of Jazz, commemorating the centennial of the ensemble that would eventually become the Criterions. Originally formed during the 1926-27 academic year as a student dance band, the group evolved into one of the nation’s longest-running collegiate jazz ensembles, influencing generations of musicians while enriching the cultural life of both the University and the broader Chester County community.
For jazz enthusiasts, alumni, students, and community members alike, the July concert offers a rare opportunity to experience that legacy firsthand.
Event Details
- What: 40th Annual Criterions Alumni Reunion Concert
- When: Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
- Where: Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Free; no tickets required
Highlights
- Alumni performers representing multiple decades of the Criterions Jazz Ensemble
- Classic swing, big band, and jazz repertoire
- Opening performance by the Summer Jazz Camp’s Camp Big Band
- Celebration of the 40th Annual Alumni Reunion Concert
- Preview of West Chester University’s upcoming 100 Years of Jazz celebration
- Opportunity to experience one of the nation’s longest-running collegiate jazz traditions
Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or simply looking for a memorable summer evening in West Chester, the concert promises a celebration of music, mentorship, and a century of tradition that continues to inspire new generations of performers.
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