by Taylor Massey
The Republic High School Jazz Band has finished its competition season and has two more performances this school year: One Fine Night and their annual Spring Concert. Both the whole jazz band and combos were recognized for their success at the Parkview Jazz Festival and the Drury Jazz Festival.
The jazz band first performed at the Parkview Jazz Festival on February 18. Two jazz combos, which are smaller groups of select students, and the entire band competed. All three performances received a “superior” rating. Jazz Combo I and the entire jazz band placed fourth in their class, and Jazz Combo II was awarded first place. In addition to group success, four students were given five “outstanding soloist” awards for their participation. Senior Nick Morris received two of these awards.
On March 4, the band traveled for the second time to participate in the Drury Jazz Festival. Here, only one jazz combo and the full band played at the festival. The combo took first, and the entire jazz band took third place in their class.
Senior Cara Henderson said the schedule at most jazz festivals is similar. Each combo or band is given a specific time to perform for a set of judges, but they are expected to be at the festival for its entire duration. These judges score the performance, and each group is ranked in their class based on these scores.
Outside of festivals and competitions, the band has been given ample time to practice and improve its skills. In preparation for both of its festivals, students in the jazz band class at Republic High School have spent time post-marching band season practicing pieces. Henderson said all she has learned in jazz has changed her as a musician.
“Jazz band has taught me how to work better in a smaller group compared to [marching] band with all of us keeping each other motivated and helping each other learn music,” she said. “Jazz helped me to be more confident through trying out solos in songs and sight reading music. This carries over into everything else I do. Because of jazz band, I’m more able to adapt to tough situations and do so confidently.”
Yet, Henderson also said she finds joy in what she has experienced outside of performance.
“I enjoy hanging out with the people in jazz band the most,” she said. “There’s something so beautiful about creating a high energy jazz tune with a bunch of your friends. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The Republic High School Jazz Band will play at One Fine Night on May 1 and at its Spring Concert on May 11. The performance at One Fine Night is at 6:00 p.m., and the Spring Concert begins at 7:00 p.m.