The Merrill High School, Middle School and Alumni Jazz Ensembles will present the annual “Big Band Bash” to round out the school year. This year’s event will again be a “jazz in the park,” held at the Normal Park Band Gazebo.
The High School Jazz Ensemble 2, directed by Kevin Short, will open the program with a variety of jazz tunes. This ensemble will feature instrumentation expanded beyond a traditional big band, with students performing on a variety of instruments.
New this year, a jazz ensemble formed from the students in Michael Chula’s morning meeting at Prairie River Middle School, will present some fun music. This excited group of young musicians is thrilled to share the program they have been working on every Wednesday morning. In addition, the 50-member eighth grade jazz ensemble will share a number of exhilarating selections with great musical energy.
Returning again this year is the Alumni/Faculty Jazz Ensemble. The ensemble will showcase Merrill High graduates from 1980 to 2012. Some returning members have been performing professionally for years, while others maintain performance on their instrument just for the joy of it.
Closing the concert will be the High School Jazz Ensemble 1, under the direction of Matt Callope. This ensemble recently earned a 1st rating at the State Solo & Ensemble Festival at UW-Stevens Point, and will present an eclectic program of music, from traditional swing, to cha cha, fusion and more.
The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Normal Park Band Gazebo. Bring a blanket or chairs, some food and good company, and enjoy this evening of jazz in the park. Poor weather back-up site is the Merrill High School commons. Admission is free. Donations to the music department are welcome.