Nola Minogue ’21
November 22, 2019
November 13th’s sharp downward spiral into frigid low temperatures and the first signs of frost on lawns and frozen puddles stomped-on on the way to bus stops also saw the presentation of the BHS Jazz Band at the historical Cabot Theatre during the Panther Pride Community Social. The event raised money for the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization through ticket sales and a silent auction. Donated food and wine baskets, gift cards, electronics, and a coveted VIP parking spot at the high school were put up for bid.
Master of Ceremonies and English teacher MattRiordan opened the night with the introduction of the Jazz Band. The Jazz Band is a group of twenty-one students who audition for entry and rehearse daily during class time under the direction of Adam Costa. The first song played, “Maiden Voyage” featured a trumpet duet by Eli Younger and Matthew Lee, followed by junior Victoria Rivera on the alto saxophone. Costa held up his hands and encouraged applause from the crowd after each solo speaking of how “improvisation” is an essential part of jazz music, and the hard work of the students deserves recognition.
Senior Sofia Blomqvist replaced Billie Holiday’s vocals in “God Bless the Child” with a trombone solo that took control of the song’s melody, the rest of the band echoing and providing harmony.
The brass section took center stage during “Black and Tan Fantasy”. Trombonist Maya Cormier accompanied trumpets Eli Younger and Zoe Jackson as they lodged plungers within the bells of their trumpets, which, according to Adam Costa is “a brass instrument must-have if you play jazz.” Julia Toler, senior trombone player, and band treasurer, shared a call and response segment with sophomore pianist Will Kilcoyne.
To close their performance, the band played a “perennial favorite that keeps coming back” for the audience, “Red Clay”. Halfway through the piece, Costa stepped aside to watch senior Charlie Tilton’s extended drum solo unfold.
The next act of the night was local comedian Dan Rattigan. MC Matt Riordan prefaced the performance, “for the past sixteen years I’ve had a captive audience to laugh at my jokes because they feel like they kind of have to. If they heckle me, I can just write them up, and when they’re in detention, they’ll think, “I guess I should laugh next time”.”
Playing For Crickets, a four-member band who plays at local events, such as the Beverly Lobster Fest in July, closed the night The Jazz Band’s next performance will be at the December 19th Winter Concert, which showcases all of BHS’s performance groups.
The PTSO helps to fund school resources that may not originally be part of the school budget. Working closely with BHS librarian Barbara Fecteau, the PTSO can purchase requested books for the library collection.
The money raised on Wednesday will go directly to benefit the students of Beverly Public Schools. It totaled around $7,000, including $1,000 from Institute for Savings, who sponsored the event.
