The Upper School Jazz Program hosted its annual fall concert in Rugby Auditorium on Dec. 12. The performance featured the Jazz Band Trio, Jazz Ensemble, Studio Jazz Band and combined Jazz Band.
Jazz Director Chris Sullivan said the performance was a learning opportunity for the younger performers.
“The winter concert is the first time everyone’s in the room together and performing for each other,” Sullivan said. “It’s really cool because 10th graders get to hear these seniors who, in just a couple of years, have made all this growth. It’s really inspiring for the younger students to hear the older students because everyone supports each other. No matter where you are on the journey, whether you’re in the beginning, the older students understand what it’s like to be there, because they were just there.”
Jazz Band member Christine Chung ’26 said she liked playing in the concert and could tell the audience was having a good time.
“It was a really fun experience,” Chung said. “I loved playing with all of my band members and seeing all the other members from different ensembles play as well. I could tell all the songs were really bright and groovy because the beats were making people dance.”
Sullivan said though his process in piece selection has changed over the years, his ultimate goal is to give his students exposure to as many musicians as possible.
“I try to be a little bit democratic,” Sullivan said. “When I first got here, I would directly ask students what they wanted to play, but as I have been here for a longer period of time, I do find myself being a little bit more of an authoritarian in terms of what I decide to play. A lot of that comes from my desire to have our students become familiar with what I would consider to be the most important composers, arrangers and improvisers in jazz.”
Yari Milkain ’27 said though combining the bands was a bit challenging, the end result was worthwhile as every band had their moment on stage.
“It’s hard to coordinate when every band gets up and onto the stage as well,” Milkain said. “However, I think this concert went exceptionally well. The highlight, of course, was that every jazz band got to share what makes each of them special and unique for a very memorable night.”
Jazz Band Avery Kim ’27 said he enjoyed playing in the concert as he believed the whole setup went as planned.
“Our band was really well rehearsed,” Kim said. “I don’t think I could be more pleased with how it turned out, at least from my perspective. I also liked the music set as there was more on the faster upbeat side, which is what I like more. The concert was of a very good length and was just right.”
