When the Mark Applebaum Trio took the stage Sept. 14 at Mississippi State, the performers were hoping for more than a full house for the jazz concert.

In addition to those who attended the concert in the university's McComas Theater, the group also played to a worldwide audience. For jazz aficionados who couldn't be present, the World Wide Web provided the next-best viewing opportunity.

The Mark Applebaum Trio, from left, Chad Anderson, Dr. Mark Applebaum, and Dr. London Branch.

Applebaum, assistant professor of music education and trio founder, worked with a variety of campus sources to make the webcast of the group's performance available on the Internet. For the first time, a Mississippi State concert was telecast live on the web at a special concert site, www.concert.msstate.edu. The concert is archived at that address and accessible for current viewing.

Joining Applebaum were Jackson State University associate professor London Branch on contrabass and MSU graduate student Chad Anderson of Starkville on drums. JSU student Darryl Reeves appeared as a guest saxophonist.

The webcast was "an historic event," said Larry Anderson, MSU technology and education professor, web-telecast coordinator and Chad's father. "For those who couldn't be on campus, the Internet allowed access that couldn't replace the concert hall but made the trio's talents accessible."

Formed just over a year ago, the trio has performed widely in Mississippi. A composer and jazz pianist, Applebaum received the 1997 American Music Center's Stephen Albert Award as "the most promising young composer." He also received the 1994 Jazz Prize of the Southern California Jazz Society.

In addition to teaching, London Branch conducts the Jackson State University Symphony Orchestra and is a frequent performer with the Capitol City Stage Band, the Swing Machine, and the Jimmy Mullins Big Band, among other groups.

Chad Anderson is a graduate student in the MSU art department's electronic visualization program. Darryl Reeves is a JSU jazz major.