Jazz on the dunes

Jazz bands travel to Rehoboth Jazz Festival

Musicians+prepare+to+take+the+stage+at+the+Rehoboth+Beach+Jazz+Festival+on+May+11.

Matthew Chen

Musicians prepare to take the stage at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival on May 11.

Matthew Chen, Contributor

On a dreary Friday afternoon, May 11 Strath Haven’s Jazz and Modern bands traveled two hours to Rehoboth beach to participate in the annual Jazz Festival. The festival is a tradition between local high schools that has lasted over ten years. Strath Haven’s Modern Band featured singers Ella Grossman and Henry Reacher, who performed popular songs like “Mr. Brightside” and “Heart of Glass”. Even on a foggy and wet day, spectators still showed up to the pavilion to enjoy jazz music. The power of music was evident that night, as Strath Haven Jazz Band’s very own Nathan Sepinwall (vibraphone) decided on a whim to solo for another school’s band. 

“I was delighted to play with Cape Henlopen High School’s jazz band,” Sepinwall said. “I especially enjoyed the opportunity to solo with a new ensemble on a piece I was unfamiliar with, as I believe experiences like these are among the best ways to develop improvisational skills.” 

The music was the antidote to the otherwise gloomy day.