Jazz and concert bands come together for winter concert
Otem Free / The Samohi
Symphonic Band performs at Winter Concert on Jan. 13th at Barnum Hall
The Samohi Band and Jazz Band programs held a joint winter concert on Tuesday, Jan. 13th. Although not normally performing together, both programs merged to do a joint concert in Barnum Hall, with the two jazz bands playing alongside the three of the five concert bands.
The Winter Concert featured fundraising opportunities like a food sale outside of Barnum Hall in the hour leading up to the concert, with hot meals, snacks and various beverages.
Starting the concert and conducted by band directors Ryan Rowles and Terry Sakow, the Samo Jazz Bands, Jazz Band I, Jazz Band II and the Jazz Combo Band performed various jazz songs including Lil’ Darlin’ by Count Basie and his Orchestra, Sweet Georgia Brown by Ben Bernie and I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Bill Kunliff. Each level of Jazz Band displayed talent, with multiple students performing solos on different instruments.
Brody Saks (’28) who is a trumpet player in Jazz Band II, explained why they enjoy playing for Jazz Band.
“I've played in the jazz band since middle school and I feel like it's a bit more exciting than concert band. You get to solo, you can do so many fun things and the music is always really enjoyable to play,” Saks said.
The Jazz Bands performances lasted for roughly an hour and was followed by a quick set change before the Samo Concert Bands (the Symphonic Winds and the Symphonic band) took the stage. These bands performed much more traditional concert music including Wearing of the Green by Leroy Anderson, Andromeda by David Schaffer and Fandango by Carol Brittin Chambers. Arlo Lamm (’27) who plays the trombone for the Symphonic Winds band shared what they love most about band.
“It's a nice, relaxing, free period in the day. I can just hang out and play my instrument,” Lamm said.
Lamm recalled his favorite piece they performed during the concert.
“My favorite piece for this concert is a march we played and the other favorite piece is from a suite of folk dances called ‘Cakewalk’.”
The band program still has multiple events coming up before the end of the year including the Bands on the Road, which will take place at John Adams Middle School, the Spring Concert and the Summer Concert.