The Upper School Jazz program hosted its annual spring concert in Rugby Auditorium April 25. The performance took place as part of the “Lights Up!” arts festival, which showcases student work from performing arts classes during the Spring semester. The program featured a set by the Middle School Jazz Band in addition to performances by the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band Trio and Studio Jazz Band.
Upper School Jazz Director Chris Sullivan said the performance was a valuable experience for middle school students and a way to recognize the upper school students in the program.
“It’s meaningful for ninth graders and eighth graders who will be coming up to the Upper School soon and joining the program,” Sullivan said. “ I want them to see that the people that they’re listening to were in their same seats three years ago and I hope that message can resonate with them. It’s also a way to honor the seniors since it’s their last big performance for almost all of them. It’s fun for me to listen and be proud of them on their final voyage and their final performance.”
The setlist included classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Thad Jones. The performance also featured a composition from 2025 Blues Competition Contest Winner Hugh Cheng ’25, entitled “Hugh’s Blues”.
Jazz Band and trombone player Hal Craig ’27 said performances from the seniors, as well as the horn section, were highlights of the concert.
“Some standout moments are [Cheng ’25] and [Vourgourakis’s ’25] solos on ‘Groove Merchant’,” Craig said. “[They are] both incredibly talented improvisers and represent the very top of the jazz program here. Additionally, I love the cut to half-time in the middle of ‘2/3’s Adventure’ and I would be remiss not to mention the cascading solis of each horn section on ‘Count Bubba’.”
Sophomore Prefect Charlotte Im ’27 said the performance was exciting and that she enjoyed watching her friends perform .
“This was my first time going to an Upper School Jazz concert and it was truly incredible,” Im said. “My favorite song was ‘Perdido’ by Duke Ellington because of its fast-paced nature and liveliness. I loved seeing and supporting my friends in their element.”
Dr. Sullivan, following the Upper School Jazz ensemble’s most recent trip to Spain, accompanied those styles of Latin jazz songs, which included “All of Me,” “Groove Merchant,” and other great pieces.
Jazz Band member Noah Ramsey ’27 said he liked the collaboration between the Middle School Jazz program and the Upper School
“For me, the most memorable parts of the concert were getting invited to perform with the lower ensemble band,” Ramsey said. “It gave me a chance to work on my skills even more and pushed me to keep improving.”
Jazz Band member Michealla Armour ‘27 said she felt every musician had to put time and effort into their pieces.
“I felt that a key learning experience among the students in the jazz bands is not to rely on big band rehearsals to relearn or practice pieces. Instead, it’s very important to take the initiative and practice independently, ensuring a better performance when the whole band comes together.”
This concert also featured a senior and teacher appreciation, with students writing handwritten cards to Dr. Sullivan. Yeakley, and Ms. Wayne on cards which were given to them during the concert, and the seniors received bouquets.
“[It was] a heartwarming moment, as we closed out our final concert of the year, and for some, their final concert at Harvard-Westlake,” said Armour.
