The applause tapers off and the evening's special guest, the legendary jazz trumpet player for whom the festival was named, is helped to center stage. Clark Terry is greeted like a family member at a long-awaited homecoming.

Introducing an Ellington classic, "Squeeze Me, But Don't Tease Me," Terry jokes, "This is me imitating Ray Nance imitating me." (Nance, who spent nearly 25 years, off and on, as Duke Ellington's lead trumpet player, was often imitated, but rarely matched.) With a broad smile and a wink to those in the audience who get the joke, Terry brings the group to full swing. Now this ensemble of students -- "real good" just moments earlier -- is nothing short of spectacular.

Terry, the master of the jazz trumpet who won worldwide renown as the front man for both Count Basie and Ellington, has once again cast his spell upon musicians and audience alike.

"That's Clark," says UNH music professor Dave Seiler matter-of-factly. "I've seen him do that so many times. Just his presence helps you to play better than you've ever played before."