By Billy Goulston

While singing “Take the Cabar-A Train” last weekend, upper school choral groups showcased swing dancing and coordinated jazz walks down a staircase designed to look like a piano.
The H-W Jazz Singers opened with a pre-show while audience members took their seats.
The Jazz Singers sang non-Duke Ellington standards such as “The Girl From Ipanema” and “The Night We Called It A Day.”

The main concert started when all other combined choruses joined the Jazz Singers in singing “Take the ‘A’ Train” written by Billy Strayhorn and arranged by Steve Zegree.

In addition to the Chamber Singers, Bel Canto and the Wolverine Chorus singing together, smaller groups interspersed with soloists and duets sang from the songbook of Duke Ellington.
After a 15-minute intermission, the Jazz Singers once again took the lead in starting off the second act, which featured more solos and groups singing Duke Ellington music.

Past cabaret shows have featured Steven Sondheim and Disney music.

“It was a really stressful experience because it’s really difficult music, but I think we’re pulling it together,” Chamber Singer Natalie Karic ’08 said.

The singers were accompanied by Daniel Faltus and John Kenchelian ’08 on piano, Gordon Wintrob ’08 on bass, Charlie Mischer ’10 on drums and both music teacher Shawn Costantino and Tanner Scharch ’08 on saxophone.

Aside from Senior Solo night yesterday, for many seniors, Cabaret is their last of many Harvard-Westlake productions and for all seniors, it was their last time performing on the Rugby stage.

“It’s a bittersweet experience, but I think it’s a good show to exit on,” Karic said.