Friday Jazz Night

BY: TAHSIN TAHIA 23'

SOCES Jazz Band is holding their first-ever Jazz Night on Friday, March 10. It will take place in Glenn Hall from 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Formal attire will be worn, and there will be delicious food being sold. The goal of Jazz Night is to fundraise for Wind Ensemble’s upcoming SCSBOA festival in Seattle.

Jazz Band made a comeback last semester after two years of absence due to COVID. Behind the scenes of this event includes a lot of dedication and sacrifices made by the musicians and their teacher.

In an interview with Mr. Turner, he says, “Jazz Band has been a steady progression since last fall. But in terms of preparing for Jazz Night, there wasn’t even supposed to be one. We decided to have one to raise funds for Seattle, and the only complication we had was not having enough time. Regardless I am so proud of them for their commitment and their sticktoitiveness to the cause and their sacrifice getting up very, very early twice a week to come in here and play. Then practice at home as well.”

Jazz Band has been meeting early in the morning before school twice a week since last fall. Sunny Cai, who plays the piano in Jazz Band, expresses, “We’ve definitely had struggles since most of us don’t have much experience in Jazz, so there’s a lot of basics we’ve had to learn. Even now, we’re still learning. But our pieces turned out great anyways!”

Their passion for music spoke through as students who have experience outside of school but were not part of the music department before also joined the cause. Jaqueline Aleksandrovich, who plays the vibraphone in Jazz Band, expresses, “I’m extremely excited, especially since I’ve never performed with a group before. I feel like it’ll be an incredible experience with some of my closest friends.”.

The Jazz Band has prepared 8-10 pieces to play for the night. Along with group performances, there will be additional solos and guest artists performing. The music pieces they have prepared are in various jazz styles, such as Blues, New Orleans Jazz, and more. When asked about the music pieces the musicians are excited to play, many mentioned ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ by Duke Ellington, and ‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles. Afsana Anannya, one of the trombonists, says, “These songs are very catchy and fun to play. The lick in Sir Duke is challenging and something the students have worked really hard on.”

Additionally, the musicians are excited and encourage students and others to attend. Afsana Anannya mentions, “Jazz Night is different from the other events SOCES band has hosted before. It will have a different atmosphere than normal concerts and something I think parents will really enjoy. I encourage anyone that can attend to come because it will be an unforgettable night!”

Finally, Hannah Brard, the president of Tri-M, expressed her gratitude towards the SOCES staff, peers, and teacher for making Jazz Night possible. She says, “We were supported wholeheartedly by the SOCES staff, which made the process a lot easier. Also, I love how hardworking and dedicated all the Jazz kids are. It’s inspiring to see kids, who have work and AP classes, have the enthusiasm for playing music. I also appreciate Mr. Turner’s enthusiasm for helping us be the best versions of ourselves, because he puts in the most work out of all of us.”

As in the words of the musicians, “Jazz Band will be unstoppable and it will be a night to remember.” Make sure to come out and support!