“It don’t mean a thing…if it ain’t got that swing.”
Students, parents, and even grandparents danced the night away at M-A’s annual Big Band Dance this Saturday evening. Not only does this event serve as the major fundraiser for the M-A music program, it also brings the community together for a multi-generational night of music and dance.
M-A’s multiple jazz bands, the concert band, and orchestra performed, as well as the Blues Brothers (a group of seniors in Jazz III). Those attending danced, watched, or chatted with friends and family.
The epicenter of the fun took place on the designated dance floor in the middle of the gym. Tables with white tablecloths surrounded the dance floor, while the band and orchestra played front and center to one side of the gym.
The room was dimly lit and beautifully decorated by parent and student volunteers who had come together to transform the space in the short timespan after the morning’s basketball practices.
The music was intermittently paused to award raffle ticket winners and conduct live-auctions. Midway through the event, private instructor and USA dance national champion James Kleinrath taught dancers of all ages the swing dance.
Some attendees had no direct affiliation with the M-A music program, but came to enjoy the music and dance.
Sophomore Holly Newman stated, “It’s actually so fun— better than the other M-A dances.” Newman and sophomore Sara Madsen are not involved in the M-A music program themselves but came to support their friends and enjoy the entertainment.
The Big Band Dance is a special event, one that brings together people of all ages to celebrate M-A’s talented musicians.
