By: Nancy Tan <[email protected]>

Senior Jon Bates, who plays the vibraphone, said that he has been in jazz ensemble for all four years of his high school career. “I was in freshman jazz ensemble, Jazz 4 and Jazz 2,” he said.
According to Michael Pote, associate director of bands, the season for all the jazz ensembles started this week.
Bates said that the jazz ensemble members practice every Monday through Friday from 7 to 7:40 a.m.

According to Pote, the members practice to prepare for jazz ensemble events in the second semester. Pote said that Jazz a la Mode will be held in the band room on March 18, 19 and 20 from 6:30 p.m.

On May 1, jazz ensemble members will perform in Jazz at the Roof, which will be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Bates said that he found jazz ensemble fun and educational. “I’ve learned a lot more about music and jazz,” he said. “It’s a different musical experience.”