M-A’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz II classes delivered a rhythmic, jazzy, and lively performance in the PAC Cafe on Tuesday night. Parents, students, and community members enjoyed donuts, cookies, and other snacks as Jazz students showcased their hard work from the year.
The concert kicked off with a performance from Jazz II of “Centerpiece” by Harry “Sweets” Edison. The band’s director, William Flaherty, introduced the band as they impressed the audience with their complex harmonies and full sound. The audience grooved and tapped their feet as the band moved on to play “One for Daddy-O” by Nat Adderley, which featured impressive saxophone solos from alto saxophone player and senior Zoe Jannink.
“Most people, unless you’re going to do music, don’t know there’s a band that’s available,” junior Leilani Wallace, who plays the baritone saxophone for Jazz II, said. “Free events like this are really good because it brings more awareness to the music program at M-A.”
The casual cafe environment offered students an opportunity to play in a less stressful environment, compared to the competitive environment they often perform in. “Some of the stuff we do can get a little nerve-racking, especially when it’s in front of a giant crowd. Having these low-stakes performances on random nights is really fun,” Jazz Ensemble drummer and sophomore Nir Marcovitz said.
“It’s good to have a mix of higher-stakes and lower-stakes events. Music is supposed to be fun,” Flaherty said. “Sometimes, especially people like myself, music teachers, can get too caught up in the academic or technical aspects of it to the detriment of just playing for the joy of music. I think this helps with that.”
Next, the Jazz Ensemble began their set with the jazz classic “It Had to Be You” by Isham Jones. The smooth and calming rhythm charmed the audience and created a relaxing, jazz club-like atmosphere. They moved on to “One Mint Julep” by Rudolph “Rudy” Toombs, whose vibrant horn section kicked up the energy. Next, “No Moon at All” by Dave Mann, featuring the glossy vocals of senior Kealy Bryman, impressed the viewers and received a lively round of applause.
Jazz Band alum Will Knox attended the concert and discussed the value of the event. “It’s cool to have jazz in a different environment, because oftentimes in the real world, this is how jazz is experienced—in a smaller, coffeehouse type of environment,” he said.
The jazz band ended the night with the recognizable song “Sway,” popularized by Dean Martin, which got the audience excitedly swaying to the time-honored classic. Bryman’s smooth and effortless vocals dazzled the crowd as the band showed off their talents in the upbeat and danceable performance.
A joyful night for all who attended, the Jazz Band’s performance brought the community together to witness the musical skills of M-A students. “I used to do competitions classically, but that was a solo thing, and it was a very hostile environment compared to this,” Jazz Ensemble pianist and senior Kaia Moore said. “We’re all in it together.”
The Jazz II and Jazz Ensemble will play the PAC on May 19th for their Spring concert.
