The middle and high school jazz and modern bands took to the stage for their annual Jazz and Modern Night on April 30— an evening full of upbeat jazz tunes, expressive rock music, and energetic solos and vocals.
“It’s so much fun and it’s a great community, and it’s a kind of music that is not always explored in school as much, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful music genres ever, and I love it, and I think it’s so much fun to be a part of this,” senior Jazz 1 vocalist Silla Prown said.
Middle school music teacher Mr. James McLaughlin, Ellington Band director Mr. Richard Michael, and music teacher Mr. Steve Fischer helped organize the ideas and space for the concert, according to music teacher Mr. Nicholas Pignataro. Students in the middle and high school jazz and modern bands rehearsed and practiced together to perfect their pieces for the concert.
“So we rehearsed for an hour and a half every Wednesday, but [it’s] pretty, I wouldn’t say hectic, but like hectic adjacent, if there’s a word for that, because not only are we rehearsing, but most people have two to three songs because it’s a pretty limited group,” senior Modern Band member Violet Abrahamsson said.
Both middle schoolers and high schoolers perform together on Jazz and Modern Band Night, something much different from other concerts. Pignataro notes how impressive it is to see such talented and various musicians excel on the same stage.
“I was particularly moved by the middle school musicians because as they’re playing solos and as they’re playing in the bands up there— the modern band and the two jazz bands— and I’m looking at the program and reading their names and hearing their names and remembering that these are all the names that are in my class rosters next year, I’m getting a little giddy,” Pignataro said.
For McLaughlin, watching previous middle schoolers evolve and grow musically at the high school level and seeing the middle schoolers get started and perform is inspiring.
“I mean, that’s why we do what we do, right? It’s to watch this growth where the students are kind of like fledgling musicians in the beginning and trying to make it happen, just trying to get the technical aspect of playing the instrument, and now they’re on stage and they’re able to actually express themselves, and that’s what it’s all about— bringing the emotional impact of whatever song it is that that they’re playing,” he said.
Since Jazz and Modern Band Night only occurs once a year, it is many seniors’ last time on the auditorium stage performing for the community.
“Of course, I’m very sad, but I’m very excited to see what becomes of the program, and there’s still so many talented kids left and coming in,” Abrahamsson said. “It’s going to last for so long. It’s so amazing. I can’t wait to come back and see all the performances more.”
McLaughlin encourages those interested in singing and performing music to join the modern or jazz band and the community’s music program.
“I think that’s my biggest thing is: be involved, reach out when it’s time, if you have any questions I’m here for them certainly,” McLaughlin said. “Just get yourself involved and make some music.”
