For one night, the halls of Seneca High School were filled with the smooth sounds of jazz.
The Seneca Eagles Band Parent Association hosted its ninth annual “Jazz Festival” on March 19. The event taking place at all was in question as Mother Nature had her say, cancelling the originally scheduled date of Feb. 13.
Jazz ensembles from six area schools took the stage in Seneca’s auditorium, playing a variety of well-known jazz hits to the more obscure.
“It’s a large variety of music from middle school bands to a jazz combo to some of the finest bands in the state,” Seneca Jazz Band Director Doug Barber said. “Everyone on this stage wants to put their best foot forward, and every band wants to start the season off right. We want them to know every lesson and every moment in the practice room has been worthwhile.”
Familiar district schools were among those performing as bands from Cherokee, Lenape and Shawnee made the trip to Seneca. The event was not just for high school students as jazz ensembles from Olson Middle School in Tabernacle and Medford Memorial Middle School performed to cheers from those in attendance.
“It’s really an amazing night and a chance for parents, students and residents to enjoy an evening of wonderful music performed by middle and high school jazz ensembles from the area,” association corresponding secretary Judy Argentine said.
The event is the result of a lot of hard work from the students and the association as well as those behind the scenes.
“I would like to offer my thanks to all of our volunteers and the Seneca High School custodial staff, whose time and dedication contributed greatly to the success of our festival. We could not have achieved this without your assistance and support,” festival chairperson Leslie Romanuski said. “I would also like to offer a special thank you to Dee Tetreault, Mary Seffrin, Eileen Hoffing, Lorrie Aracri and the entire board. This festival would not have come together so well without you.”
Each band performed a set of three or four songs with the opportunity for specific students to be highlighted with solo performances throughout the set.
The money raised from the event will support the band’s endeavors as well as the association’s scholarship program.
This year, the Seneca Eagles Band Parent Association is offering three $400 scholarships for members of the Class of 2014. Student applications consist of three parts — classes and activities, short essays and teacher recommendation. Scholarship award winners will be announced at Senior Awards Night.
For more information on the Seneca Eagles Band Parent Association and their events, visit www.sebpa.weebly.com
