On Feb. 21, John Adams held their annual district-wide concert, Jazz Soundsations, including middle school and high school jazz bands performing numerous popular musical pieces. Also featured at this concert were two clinicians giving each participating band advice on how they can improve their skills. They were TJ Thompson, a drummer, and Todd Neunschwander, a saxophonist. These clinicians spent their whole day at Adams and helped each band as they came in throughout the day.

The first band performing was Adams Jazz III directed by Danni-Jo Rausch. They kicked off the day with their space thriller, arranged by Larry Burton, “Area 51.” Following that, they played “Game of Bones,” by Vince Gessi, a jazz piece inspired by the hit TV-show “Game of Thrones.” 

Adams Jazz II took the stage alongside director Emily Pantelleria and opened with “Out of the Doghouse:” a feel-good song led by a groovy piano riff arranged by Erik Morales. Followed by a slow jazz piece by Sammy Nestico, “Lonely Street” and they finished off their set with an upbeat swinging jazz piece written by legendary musician, Miles Davis, “Four” arranged by Mark Taylor.

Next up was LaSalle Strings, led by director Alex Benoit, performing for the first time at Adams. They opened their performance with “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” originally by Duke Ellington and arranged by Ralph Ford. This piece is a catchy, upbeat tune full of vibrant parts. Afterwards, they played a Thom Sharpe piece called “Salsa Verde,” a high-spirited Latin piece.

Succeeding the LaSalle Strings, Riley Jazz, accompanied by Larry Vanore, played three pieces: they opened with the Irving Berlin piece “Blue Skies” arranged by Rick Stitzel, and then “Blue Trane” written by John Coltrane and arranged by Michael Sweeney. They finished their performance with the jazz classic “Caravan” also arranged by Michael Sweeney.

Dawn Forsythe escorted the LaSalle Band out and opened with the popular Antonio Carlos Jobim piece arranged by John Berry called “The Girl From Ipanema.”  Subsequently, they played the classic swing-jazz tune “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” by Duke Ellington arranged by Michael Story.

Adams Jazz I, conducted by director Kevin Graham, concluded the night with “Who, Me?” by Frank Foster followed by a saxophone-led piece by Richard Rodgers called “My Funny Valentine.” They finished by playing the lively, fast-paced tune by Luiz Bonfa, “Black Orpheus.” 

Jazz Soundsations proves to be a fun experience for everyone involved and is a compelling opportunity for young musicians to grow with the help of professionals. The event helps bring musicians from across the district together and give opportunities to grow as players and people through music.