Band members look ahead to Jazz a la Mode after concert

By: Nancy Tan <ntan@hilite.org>

As the bands finished up their winter concerts, the jazz bands prepare for their upcoming performance in March.

Christopher Kreke, who teaches Jazz Ensemble III, said Jazz a la Mode will be conducted on March 18, 19 and 20. All the shows will commence at 7 p.m. in the band room. “We take everything out of (the band room) and turn it into a nightclub.”

Kreke said that audience members can expect to see four jazz bands perform a variety of different jazz pieces during the 90-minute-long show. According to Kreke, students in Jazz Ensemble I will use period instruments from both the 1950s and 1960s.

Senior Johanna Hutchins, a student in Jazz Ensemble I, plays one of such period instruments known as the mellophonium. Other period instruments that will be featured in Jazz a la Mode include recording tubas and bass saxophones.

Kreke said that ticket sale for Jazz a la Mode will begin on March 1. The prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens.

Although the concert will officially start at 7 p.m., the doors will be open at 6 p.m. Coffee and pie will be served from 6 to 7 p.m.

According to Hutchins, the jazz bands have been practicing every day before school from 7 to 7:40 a.m., except on late-start days for Jazz a la Mode. Despite the hard work, Hutchins said she is excited about the upcoming performance.

“I really like Jazz a la Mode because all four jazz bands are showcased,” she said. “And there’s pie.”