H. Suzie Lee

SMF schools orchestrated an evening of jazz featuring the Kimpton middle and high school jazz ensembles.
Four ensembles including Kimpton Jazz Ensemble, Jazz III, Jazz II, Jazz I performed 14 pieces at the high school auditorium on Jan 17, 2019.
Kimpton Jazz Ensemble started the concert with Sandra Sandman’s conduct by playing Work Song composed by “Nat Adderley”, arranged by White. Few students came up to the mic in front and performed their solos. Ensemble continued by “God Bless’ The Child” by Arthur Herzog Jr., arranged by Stitzel and “Splanky” by Neal Hefti, arranged by Phillippe.
36 Kimpton students came to the high school auditorium to perform with high school students.
High School Jazz III opened up their repertoire with “Four” by Miles Davis, arranged by Mark Taylor. Jazz III is the largest group out of all three high school ensembles; the group includes 25 members.
Within Greg Newman’s directions, they played “Angel Eyes” by Matt Dennis, arranged by Dave Wolpe.
“Angel Eyes” contained Tenor Sax feature; junior Katie Lowry and Sophomore Nathan Johnson played the feature.
Senior trumpeter Grace Rudman, freshman drummer Owen Goss also played their solos.
Jazz II began their ensemble by performing “Attitude Adjustment” by Larry Barton with conducting of Tom Lewis. They performed three more pieces including, “Birdland”, “Ballad for Basie”, “PaPacito”.
Senior tenor saxophone players Josh Blasko and Jay Galas performed their solos during the concert.
Junior trombonist Valerie McCauley, sophomore bassist Spring Biggs, freshman alto saxophonist Emily Blasko, senior trombonist Gannon Brown each performed their solos as well.
Jazz Band I was the last group of the concert within the direction of Greg Newman; the ensemble orchestrated “Ja-Da” by Sammy Nestico featuring a piano solo by Hyejin Suzie Lee.
They continued their program by “Apollo’s Reel” by Tom Molter including solos of senior trumpeter Jenson Kozar, alto saxophonist Josh Barbee, junior Ethan Bamberger. Next piece was “Ahunk Ahunk” by Thad Jones, arranged by Mike Carubia.
“Ahunk Ahunk” demonstrates the most funk bebop feeling; soloists were junior trumpeter Scott Kline, tenor saxophonist Maddie McLaughlin, senior trombonist Wyatt Martin, junior pianist Hyejin Suzie Lee.
“Mambo Over the Mountain” by Rick Hirsch ended Jazz I’s repertoire including the soloists Josh Barbee, sophomore drummer Blake Toburen, senior drummer Maclane Stebbins, Wyatt Martin.
Spring Jazz Concert with the guest artist is coming up on March 21, 7PM at high school auditorium; the concert is open and free to public.