The Meridian Arts Ensemble, from left: Back row—Jon Nelson (trumpet), Brian McWhorter (trumpet), Ray Stewart (tuba) and John Ferrari (percussion). Front—Dan Grabois (French horn) and Ben Herring-ton (trombone)

UC Davis musicians take center stage the first half of November, with performances by the Concert Band, Empyrean Ensemble and Jazz Bands, as well as the Meridian Arts Ensemble, artists in residence in the Department of Music during fall quarter.

Meridian Arts Ensemble — This faculty ensemble from the Manhattan School of Music performs everything from J.S. Bach to Frank Zappa, with a special emphasis on the music of today. Meridian’s Zappa arrangements have brought the group critical and popular acclaim, interviews on NPR’s Weekend Edition, and gigs in concert halls and rock clubs. 7 p.m. Nov 7, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

Concert Band — In the annual Causeway Band Festival, co-hosted by the Concert Band of UC Davis and the Wind Program of California State University, Sacramento. Featuring composer-conductor Mark Camphouse as guest conductor and clinician. The festival culminates with a closing concert of works by Camphouse, Gustav Holst and Frank Zappa as performed by junior and senior high school honor bands, Sacramento State’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the UC Davis Concert Band and the Manhattan School of Music’s Meridian Arts Ensemble. 7 p.m. Nov. 8, Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.

Empyrean Ensemble — UC Davis’ ensemble in residence opens its season with World Premieres Plus Copland. The Aaron Copland piece is the final movement (Non troppo lento) from his Piano Quartet. The world premiere works are by Stephen Blumberg, Ed Jacobs and UC Davis faculty composer (and Empyrean founder) Ross Bauer. The program also includes the West Cost premiere of Serenade for Four Strings by Seung-Ah Oh. Matilda Hofman is guest conductor. 7 p.m. Nov. 15, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center.

Jazz Bands — Solo Features, a concert showcasing members of the jazz improv ensemble. 7 p.m. Nov. 18, Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center.

Tickets: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or mondaviarts.org.