By Kaj Friis-Hecht
Photo by Mary Evans
The jazz band at the Willow School is a group of young, talented musicians filled with passion and unmatched excitement for their craft. Composed of students from various grade levels, the band is directed by Mr. Jordan, who has been recognized for his exceptional leadership by various organizations such as the National Jazz Association, and his innovative approach to jazz education. Under his guidance, the jazz band has flourished, earning recognition and accolades both within the school and locally from prestigious groups such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
This year has been different from most other years for the Willow jazz band. Not only have they continued to incite excitement within the school with their performances and second lines, but they’ve also begun to expand beyond the lines of the Willow School. Jordan said, “We’ve played many events outside of school for various organizations, venues, and schools, such as one recently from New York, where we did an exchange with them.”
Because of all of these accomplishments, the Willow jazz band has had a much busier schedule than usual, but that still doesn’t stop them from continuing to do their part at school as one of the leading CA programs, providing music when we need to celebrate.
One of the standout features of the jazz band is the high level of musicianship exhibited by its members. From the lively and syncopated rhythms of the drum section to the soaring melodies of the brass and woodwind instruments, the band displays a technical proficiency and musicality that belies their youth. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend traditional jazz standards with contemporary arrangements and styles is a testament to their versatility and adaptability as musicians.
In addition to their musical talents, the jazz band is also known for their electrifying performances. Whether they’re performing at school assemblies, local venues, or jazz festivals, the band consistently captivates audiences with their energy and charisma. Their passion for jazz music is palpable, and their performances simply show the power of music to connect people and evoke emotion, which is the entire point of music. Music should make you feel something, want something, think something, and that’s what everyone who listens to the complex melodies played by the jazz band feels.
In addition to all the normal activities performed by the jazz band, they’ve also been working tirelessly towards their senior recitals. Senior Ian Barnes said, “We’ve been working really hard on our senior recitals, and it’s been fun and exciting every step of the way.”
As a tribute and final send-off to the seniors of the jazz band, they will be performing a collection of their finest pieces on May 4th to show their respect and appreciation for all the hard work that the seniors have been putting in for the last four years. Sophomore Ronan Theall said, “I’m just grateful that I get to attend a school that offers such an advanced jazz program. I can’t wait for my senior year to put everything I’ve been learning and practicing into the show.”
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the jazz band is the sense of community and belonging that it fosters among its members. The band is a tight-knit group, and the camaraderie and support that they offer each other is evident both on and off the stage. Through their shared love of jazz music, the band has formed lasting friendships and created memories that will stay with them long after they leave high school. The jazz band at the Willow School is a shining example of the transformative power of music and the importance of fostering a love of the arts in young people.
