South Jersey’s annual high school jazz band competition season kicks off Friday Feb. 6 with the Shawnee Jazz Festival at Shawnee High School.
Jazz bands from nine area high schools are scheduled to compete. The program includes many popular jazz standards and features some very accomplished young musicians, including several talented members of the All South Jersey and All State Honor Bands. In addition, there will be a guest performance by local favorite, M-Town Jazz.
“This is not only a showcase for the tremendous musical talent we have in our South Jersey schools, but also a really entertaining evening for the community. We urge everyone to come out and enjoy a great night of music,” said Lisa Bakanas, event coordinator and member of the Shawnee Band Parents Association, which organizes the Jazz Fest.
Music department faculty members from area colleges and universities will serve as judges for the event. Between the sets performed by local high school jazz ensembles, Medford’s M-Town Jazz Jam will perform. M-Town Jazz Jam includes several professional musicians and music educators who rehearse and perform with the students. They are part of the South Jersey Music Education Partnership, a local non-profit that is dedicated to the development of student musicians through scholarships for private instruction, performance opportunities, and mentorships. More information on SJMEP events will be available the night of the jazz festival.
The jazz festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets, available at the door, are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. Seniors with a Gold Pass are admitted free. The Shawnee Band Parents will be selling hot food and homemade baked good in the cafeteria all evening. The competition will be held in the school’s auditorium.
