Schools
Free Tickets Still Available for Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble at the High School
For a night of great jazz, look no further than Geneva High School Thursday, Feb. 10. Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble will perform, as with the GHS Jazz Band I and Jazz Band II. Free tickets remain available.
Geneva High School jazz musicians will be appearing on stage with some of the best in the business Thursday evening, during a concert featuring the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble.
The concert—approximately 65 free tickets remain available—will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Geneva High School auditorium, 416 McKinley Ave., Geneva.
The Shades of Blue is an 18-piece “big band” with a repertoire covering everything from traditional swing, to bebop, modern jazz, vocal selections and the music of the United States. Music likely will include the classic sounds of Glenn Miller or Count Basie, as well as innovative, contemporary jazz works, including some written by band members.
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And concert-goers will hear the sounds of younger musicians, as well, with performances by the Geneva High School Jazz Band I and Jazz Band II.
Moreover, the professionals will work with the 51 high school musicians in after-school clinics, said band director Pat Frederick.
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“For our kids, usually they’re only hearing themselves,” Frederick said. “If they’re not actively listening on their own to professional jazz musicians, they don’t necessarily have a great idea of what they should sound like,” he said. “Listening to a very high-quality ensemble like this gives them a better idea of what we’re shooting for.”
The ensemble members (based at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis) will dine with the students. Kathy Jankovic and her culinary arts students, led by student head chef Justin Kolcz are providing dinner for the Jazz Band I and II musicians and the ensemble members.
Beyond the concert hall, the Shades of Blue plays the national anthem at professional sporting events such as Chicago White Sox or Chicago Bulls games, and recorded tracks for Macy’s Independence Day celebration in New York City. The group has performed for heads of state and for the country’s troops at home and abroad.
To obtain free tickets to the concert, e-mail the Geneva High School Band Office at pfrederick@geneva304.org, or call the office at 630-463-3975. Please leave a full name (spell it), phone number and the number of desired tickets. Tickets can be picked up at the school on Thursday evening.
