Seniors Nick Robie, Yas Salon, and Louie Grant. (Riley Hennessey’20/Media staff)

On the evening of April 27, Academy’s Jazz Band held its annual “All That Jazz” concert. The event was a showcase of hard work and talent, giving each individual member a chance to shine. As always, an array of desserts complemented the event.

The smaller Combo group kicked off the concert with “Freddie Freeloader.” This song allowed for many small solos in quick succession. In traditional jazz fashion, each solo was followed by a round of applause. 

After a second performance by Combo, the entire jazz ensemble join in to play “Big Noise From Winnetka.” This piece opened with heavy percussion and a quick tempo, and it created a playful tone.

More and more jazz followed, with each song accompanied by a host of solos; some even featured the senior vocalists Julia Leet and Khloe Dubenion.

Halfway though the evening, the music paused in order to honor long-serving band members. With such a talented senior class, director Jessica Sneeringer was pleased to award the band’s most dedicated members. Seniors Nick Robie and Abhi Ramaswamy were both recipients of the Woody Herman Jazz Award, and the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award was presented to Anders Seline’18. 

After a few more pieces, the jazz band closed out the concert with “Chameleon,” an excellent grand finale which featured some impressive solos.

“All That Jazz” was a relaxed and intimate concert, providing a true jazz performance.