A melodious homage to Queen Elizabeth II will spread through the crevices of the Doudna Fine Arts Center as composer Duke Ellington’s work is brought back to life at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Theatre of the Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Paul Johnston, the director of the Jazz Lab Band and coordinator of the combo program, said the band will be performing some traditional jazz music, including Ellington’s rare composition titled “The Queen’s Suite.”

“The band recorded the piece, and Ellington had one copy pressed and gave it to the queen,” Johnston said.

Johnston said he is excited for the group to perform the piece.

“It wasn’t until after his death that it was released, but it is a great piece of music that isn’t frequently performed,” Johnston said.

The ensemble will also play “Jive Samba” by Nat Adderley and “Alright, Okay, You Win” by Sammy Nestico.

Robin Connell, a jazz pianist/vocalist from Grand Rapids, Mich., will accompany the ensemble in “Waltz for Debby,” a composition by Bill Evans and “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Quincy Jones.

Johnston said he is excited to have Connell perform with the band.

“She is a wonderful pianist and vocalist and teacher who I use to work with at the Interlochen Center for the Arts,” Johnston said.

The Interlochen Center for the Arts is a non-profit, privately owned arts education institute in Interlochen, Mich.

Johnston said having student perform with professionals broadens their perspectives.

“It’s always nice for our students to have the opportunity to work with people outside of the university,” Johnston said.

What the professionals show students are really helpful, Johnston said.

“They can help reinforce concepts and ideas we have discussed in rehearsals. It’s nice for someone to offer their own perspective and ideas about the music,” Johnston said. “It’s nice to have someone else come in and give their own perspective on music and performance.”

Johnston said the concert is a unique combination of pieces.

“I think there is something for everyone in this concert,” Johnston said. “There’s traditional, there’s swinging, big band music, some very artful compositions for jazz band and a good mix of older and newer works.”

Johnston said he hopes people enjoy both the ensemble and the vocalist.

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.