I think the word is out. This year’s Scarborough “Jazz Night” concerts were very well attended and the jazz bands came through in great style! Scarborough’s four jazz bands really jazzed up the middle school on April 4 and 5 with some amazing performances.

The Scarborough Middle School Jazz Ensemble kicked off the candlelit event under the direction of Chris Fletcher. Songs featured: “Freddie Freeloader” by Miles Davis, “So What” by Miles Davis, “Sidewinder” by Lee Morgan, “Azure” by Duke Ellington, and “Night Train” by Jimmy Forrest.

Director William “Willy” Johnson worked his magic with the Scarborough Jazz Combo Band (small jazz ensemble) impressing everyone with the cool sounds of jazz greats like: “Impressions” by John Coltrane, “All Blues” by Miles Davis, “Song For My Father” by H. Silver. With combo bands, each band member improvises and solos.

The Scarborough High School Jazz Band and Concert Jazz Ensemble (large jazz ensemble) played very well this year. Director Norm Richardson said “These bands have come further, in a short period of time, than any bands I have ever worked with…exceeding expectations.”

The concert jazz ensemble did indeed exceed expectations placing fourth at the Berklee College of Music’s 38th annual High School Jazz Festival. Senior Fred Kennedy was honored to receive the Judge’s Choice Award twice, for both jazz combo and jazz ensemble. And Scarborough High School was also presented an award in recognition of our 15 -year anniversary of participating at the jazz festival!

The SHS Jazz Band performed several tunes showcasing their talents, including: “More Blues” by Ken Harris, “You Should Be Swingin’ It Now” by Les Aldrich, “I Remember Clifford” by Benny Golson. Seniors Chandler Blodgett and Ray Capizzo were featured soloists.

The Concert Jazz Ensemble played a variety of tunes: “Birdland” by Joe Zawinol, “Weather Report,” soloists: Billy Seidel and Fred Kennedy. “Imagination” arranged by Norm Richardson; solo: Stephanie Stoddard, “I Can’t Get Started (With You)” by Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin; solo: Chris McCormick, “Moondance” by Van Morrison, soloists: Hannah Flewelling and Allie Solender. Competition pieces included: “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli, solo: Karen Smith, flute, Fred Kennedy, trumpet, and Mike Thurlow, trombone; “My Funny Valentine” by Richard Rogers, solo: Kim Stoddard, tenor sax; “Blues in Hoss Flat” by Frank Foster and Count Basie, solos: Nolan Scheemaker, tenor sax and Billy Seidel, electric guitar.

The band boosters wish to thank the band directors, the school department, the parents, and the community for their enthusiastic support.

Heather Sirocki

Scarborough

Jazz night a success

Copy the Story Link