(Melanie Q./Staff)

Jazzy tunes and cheerful music filled Schoedinger Theater on Friday, November 1, as the Jazz Band hosted its first concert of the year. This ensemble congregates three times school a week at 7:15 a.m., as its dedication to music unsurpassed. Members range from first to fourth year participants, and several people performed on instruments different from what they play in Concert Band. 

From the opening lines of a joyous “One Note Samba,” I could see my classmates’ love for the band, with their heads bopping to the beat and bodies swaying to the melody. After an introduction from Band Director, Ms. Sneeringer, highlighting the group’s accomplishments, they played Duke Ellington’s “Jeep’s Blues,”  featuring saxophone soloist, Max B. Ellington, a jazz icon, who created rich harmonies and swingy tunes, leaving an unforgettable legacy.

Next up was Frank Sinatra’s classic “Fly Me to the Moon,” an audience favorite with its euphoric feel. In the same spirit of Sinatra, the band dazzled with an optimistic “That’s Life” performance. 

Erroll Garner’s “Misty” was my favorite of the evening, starring Lucy I.’s singing. Her angelic vocals perfectly encapsulated the song’s love and emotion, with the band’s accompaniment harmonizing her melody. Back to instrumentals, “On Green Dolphin Street” and “Flight of the Foo Birds” garnered mid-piece applause and cheers of praise. 

The eighth and final piece, “Watermelon Man” was a wonderful wrap-up to the night, spotlighting several students in improvised solos. Freshmen Devin L. and Andrew J. closed with a powerful trombone duet, leaving the audience awestruck and inspired.

Congratulations to the Jazz Band for its hard work and wonderful first concert!