On April 15 at 6:30 p.m., the Huss Center for Performing Arts was illuminated as the middle school and upper school jazz bands started a memorable performance. The middle school took to the stage first, performing six songs with many soloists. Then there was a brief intermission, during which the Juan Miguel Quartet kept the crowd entertained. After that, the upper school jazz band took the stage, performing nine songs, some of which featured singers.
The stage was set up with tables and chairs, giving the concert a more interactive feel as audience members could be very close to the performers. This is the fourth year of the Jazz Cabaret concert, which was designed to provide a more live-performance experience by letting the audience stay up on stage.
After the middle school finished its performance, the Juan Miguel Quartet came on for a 15-minute set during intermission. The group consists of four seniors, all passionate about jazz. It was started about two years ago and this is not its first time performing at the Jazz Cabaret. The quartet’s performance focused on traditional, smooth jazz to entertain the audience before the upper school jazz band took the stage.
At around 7:30 p.m., the upper school jazz band took to the stage. Their performance covered a wide range of styles, from slower ballads to more energetic jazz pieces and Latin-inspired selections. Many students were featured as soloists throughout the set, giving different sections of the band opportunities to stand out while still working together as a cohesive group.
The upper school jazz band started with “Such Sweet Thunder.” Out of the nine songs the jazz band played, two of them were vocal pieces with singers. Adding singers to songs is traditional in cabaret concerts to make the show feel more lively and in the moment. The vocal pieces provided a calm contrast to the band’s faster selections.
This year, the band adapted to their new director Jack Breen. Under Breen, the band has continued to progress, which was evident in the performance.
Sophomore Henry Kansas plays percussion for the upper school band and plays for his love of drumming. Kansas had a solo on the opening song, “Such Sweet Thunder” and also featured on “Fables of Faubus” and “My Funny Valentine,” a vocal piece.
“I practiced [the songs] at home and in school and another drummer told me to do certain things, so I took feedback from my peers to really enhance my songs to make them the best I possibly could,” Kansas said.
Kansas has been playing the jazz band since sixth grade and plans to continue doing so for the rest of high school.
The fourth annual Jazz Cabaret highlighted the talent and preparation of both the middle and upper school jazz musicians, bringing the audience closer to the performance. With a wide range of musical styles, featured soloists and strong ensemble playing throughout the night, the concert reflected the continued growth of the jazz program. Events like the Jazz Cabaret continue to give students valuable performance experience while strengthening a tradition that has become a staple part of the school’s music community.
