Shorecrest High School Jazz Bands enjoy successful evening at Big Band Swing Dance

Story and photos by Barb Swan

Silhouettes of the musicians enhance the mood
at the Big Band Swing Dance.

Twinkle lights sparkled like diamonds off the trumpets in the Shorecrest Commons Saturday evening as the Shorecrest and Kellogg jazz bands hosted their annual Big Band Swing Dance.

Shorecrest High School Stage Band
under the direction of Marc Adamo.

A new venue for the traditional jazz program fund raiser, which features live music performed by the Kellogg Middle School and Shorecrest jazz bands, offered larger spaces, bright sound and a fairyland of lights and hanging musical notes to delight dancers and audience alike.

Dance lessons prior to the band performances
for novice and experienced dancers alike.

Beginning dancers were able to take an hour dance lesson prior to the live music performances and both experienced and novice dancers took to the floor and enjoyed three hours of big band classics performed by the award winning school jazz bands.

Superintendent of Schools Rebecca Miner
enjoying the music with her husband Timothy.

Superintendent of Schools Rebecca Miner even took a few spins around the floor accompanied by her husband Timothy.

A traditional fundraiser for the Jazz musicians of Shorecrest High School, the Big Band Swing Dance proceeds help pay for travel expenses, instrument upkeep and competition costs as well as providing a venue for exceptional performances for gifted musicians to display their talents.

Shorecrest Jazz Ensemble under
the direction of Vince Caruso.

Under the direction of Alec Wilmart (Kellogg Middle School), Marc Adamo (Shorecrest Stage Band) and Vince Caruso (Shorecrest Jazz Ensemble) students learn confidence and an appreciation for jazz music that lasts a lifetime. Soloists are showcased throughout the night and parents and local community members enjoy classics from Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman as well as current composers and arrangers.

Sophmore trumpet player Cael Frerichs
with his silhouette.

One of the truly unique portions of the venue is the silhouettes surrounding the dance floor made in the likeness of the musicians themselves. Local artist Jil Scollard has hand crafted these works of art for the past seven years.

Jake Amole poses with his silhouette.

Musicians pose with their instruments and Jil carefully traces their outline using a light and shadow effect. Silhouettes are then cut out and displayed at the Big Band Swing Dance where parents and patrons can try to match to the appropriate performer.

Kellogg Jazz Band under the direction of Alec Wilmart.

Future performances from the Shorecrest Jazz Bands will include a night of music at Third Place Commons on March 19 at 7:30pm and a concert performance at 7:30pm on June 2 in the Shorecrest Performing Arts Building. All community members are welcome to attend.