(Lila P./Staff)
The Jazz Band performed its final concert of the year, All That Jazz, on May 1, following Final Bell. The ensemble took the stage in the Dining Hall at 7:30 p.m., performing a program that combined jazz standards, a Latin piece, and impressive improvisations while also recognizing the group’s seniors, Adam A., Chaz L., Graham A., Marceline O., and Saurav.
Ms. Sneeringer praised Adam A., trombone section leader, for taking more improvisational solos throughout the year. She described Chaz L. as someone who always happily takes on any responsibility within the ensemble. She also recognized Graham A. for stepping into the lead trumpet role after joining the group more recently and confidently performing solos and higher-register parts. Sneeringer highlighted Marceline O. for taking on the clarinet after being asked and developing into a more expressive and soulful musician. She also recognized Saurav for his leadership, musicianship, and willingness to help other students with technique and preparation.
Saurav received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which honors a student who demonstrates strong musicality and a willingness to take risks. Sneeringer spoke about his development as a more soulful player and spoke about the vulnerability and confidence required to grow as a jazz musician that he possesses. She also recognized the leadership role he held as the band’s baritone saxophonist over the past four years.
The ensemble opened the concert with “Topsy” before transitioning into Bobby Timmons’s “Moanin’.” The piece featured a call-and-response structure led by the saxophone section. Soloists included Devin L. on trombone, Jake L. on drums, Jude S. on piano, Max B. on alto saxophone, and Melody W. on flute.
The ensemble followed with “Black Coffee,” which featured a trumpet solo from Alec S. and Melody W. on the flute. The fourth song, “Impressions,” began as a rehearsal piece before Mrs. Sneeringer added it to the spring showcase because of the group’s strong performances in practice. Soloists included Adam A., Chaz L., Jude S., and Tegan M.
The first half concluded with “Chevre,” featuring dynamic solos from Chaz L., Devin L., Jake L., and Max B.
The second half opened with Charles Mingus’s “Moanin’.” Saurav M. began the piece with an amplified baritone saxophone solo played through the speakers before the ensemble entered. The performance also featured trombone solos from Adam A., Andrew J., and Devin L.
Jude S. introduced Duke Ellington’s “Do Nothing ’Til You Hear From Me,” which featured smooth vocals from Maryam C. and tenor saxophone from Marceline O.
During “Mas Que Nada,” students performed a more advanced arrangement that they partially learned by ear after deciding they wanted to move beyond the version originally provided.
The ensemble also performed “Moondance,” a song they have perfected and played at all of their performances this year. Featured performers included Andrew J., Graham A., Jake L., and Tegan M.
All That Jazz closed the year by celebrating the seniors whose leadership, musicianship, and willingness to take creative risks shaped the ensemble during their time in this band. As the audience danced and clapped along to the final song, “Share Your Gift,” it reflected the spirit of the concert itself: using music to bring people together and encouraging performers to confidently share their talents. Thank you seniors for sharing your gift with us one last time!
