On Friday, April 15, in Academy’s Dining Hall, the Jazz Ensemble hosted “All That Jazz,” the band’s final concert of the year. Though it was expected to be an evening of teary eyes as everyone said farewell to the seniors, it was full of lighthearted banter and warmth.

Academy’s Jazz Ensemble is made up of dedicated students who come in at 7:15am three times per week, and of whom most are also in Concert Band, a full-credit class.

The evening kicked off by introducing the packed audience to each student and his or her instrument.

After the first three songs, Mrs. Jessica Sneeringer, the band’s conductor, paused to award many students with Arts letters or pins for extraordinary commitment. The band continued with three more songs and then an intermission.

In the second half of the concert, the band accompanied Andrew Kennedy’16 on the saxophone to play “Pure Imagination” from the popular movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Another crowd favorite was “Misty,” (which has been covered by icons such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald) sung by Sean Reagan’16. Sneeringer surprised the audience by joining the band on her trumpet.

Sneeringer  recognized students by grade level and their years of devotion, including senior Robbie Foley, who has been a part of the Jazz Ensemble for seven years, and the recipient of the Louis Armstrong award. Seniors Nathan Salon and Andrew Kennedy were also recognized for their commitment.

The ensemble finished with a total of twelve songs, with many solos from both seniors and younger students.

At the end of an outstanding night, Andrew Kennedy presented a gift and flowers to Sneeringer.