By: Renny Logan and <[email protected]>

In previous years, Jazz at the Roof has been a stunning performance that has attracted a more than sufficient audience. This year, however, it is scheduled on a weeknight. Alex Metz, Jazz 2 trombonist and senior, said this might affect the crowd the event will attract this year.

“(Last year) we had a really nice turnout,“ Metz said. “Less people might come this year because (Jazz at the Roof) is on a weeknight and also because it’s (scheduled) so close to prom.”

“We expect (the crowd) to be a little less, because (Jazz at the Roof) is on a weeknight,” Jazz 4 director Richard Saucedo said. “The performance will be the same, but attendance may be affected.”

Saucedo explained that the reason they scheduled Jazz at the Roof for a weeknight this year was to help alleviate pressure from the entire performing arts department. Between contests, performances and the upcoming play, band directors thought it would be easier on the department to have Jazz at the Roof on a weeknight.

In addition, the event, which used to occur in March, had to be pushed back this year. According to Metz, the entire jazz band season itself was moved back. This year, instead of jazz band beginning at the end of first semester and finishing at the beginning of second semester, it has been moved to just second semester.

Saucedo said he thought this would overall be a positive change, though he said it’s too soon to know for sure. He also said the jazz bands have done a great job adjusting to the change.

“I think we’re better off, actually; the bands are stronger,” Saucedo said. He said the transition was smooth.

Metz, who has been involved in jazz band since middle school, said tonight will be his second time performing in Jazz at the Roof. Metz said he has been to Jazz at the Roof once not to perform but to watch, and he encourages students to come, despite the event being on a school night.

“It’s great music, a great venue and a chance to swing dance,” Metz said.

“(Jazz at the Roof) is going to be another really great experience to attend and good experience for the players,” Saucedo said. He said the Indiana Roof Ballroom has a noteworthy history of jazz performances from the 1920s and 1930s and is a good opportunity for students.