By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
MHS bands to present Jazz Concert at PAC Monday
Placeholder Image
MONROE - The Instrumental Music Department of Monroe High School will present its annual Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. Monday, April 26, in the high school's Performing Arts Center. The concert features the music of the high school's two "big bands," Jazz Workshop and Jazz Ensemble, as well as an appearance by The Cary-Sheley-Ken Stein "Little Big Band" from Rockford, Illinois.

The public is invited and tickets are $5 and available at the door.

The Jazz Workshop will perform "Sambeando" by Victor Lopez, "My Funny Valentine" arranged by Mike Smukal, "Nardis" by Miles Davis, "Grooved Pavement" by Victor Lopez and "Swingin' Shanty" arranged by Ralph Ford. The band is directed by Dan Henkel.

Jazz Ensemble's portion of the program will consist of "Mas Que Nada" from the group "Brazil 66" and arranged by Mark Taylor, "Lullaby Of Broadway" arranged by Dave Barduhn, "The Back Road" by Gary Carney, "I Remember Clifford" arranged by Sammy Nestico, "Bluesette" arranged by Dave Wolpe and Duke Ellington's "Rockin' In Rhythm" arranged by Tom Davis. Randy Schneeberger is the director.

The Little Big Band will perform as a guest group and will announce their selections from the stage. The seven-member ensemble bases its repertoire on the arrangements of Cary Sheley and the improvisations of Ken Stein.

The Jazz Bands at Monroe High School are extra-curricular and meet weekly before school, beginning in late October. The focus of both groups is to study the styles of American popular music in the format of the traditional "big band," which consists of sections of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section made up of piano, bass, drums and guitar. The groundwork for improvisation is also presented, along with an exposure to American musical styles and their history.