Xavier High School’s jazz bands attended the “Coe College Jazz Summit” on February 24. Within Xavier’s instrumental music department, there are two performing jazz ensembles: Jazz Band One and Jazz Band Two.

Competing for the first time ever, Jazz Band Two placed third at the “Jazz Summit” in the Second Bands   division. Within their division, Jazz Band One did  not  place  in  the  top  three.

“To me, jazz band is not only the one place where I get to play jazz, but also the group that includes most of Xavier’s best instrumental musicians,” senior Sam Rohret said. “This makes it both challenging and extremely rewarding.”

Rohret has been part of Jazz Band One for the last four  years, and has played the bass trombone for the last two years.

For their set, Jazz Band One performs “Of Courage and Spirit” by Bob Washut, “Portrait of Mahalia Jackson” by Duke Ellington, “Blue Five Jive” by Benny Carter, and “Like It Is” by John Fedchock. Jazz Band Two’s set includes “Little Liza Jane” by Mike Collins-Dowden, “Prayer Meetin’” by Matt Harris, and “Blue Bossa” by Michael Sweeney.

Junior Jaden Henley, a member of Jazz Band Two, received an honorable mention for outstanding musician at “Jazz Summit.”

“It is really great to be recognized for something I have been working really hard on and having fun with,” Henley said. “I enjoy the music and atmosphere that jazz creates.” Henley was recognized  for his vibraphone solo.

Although this is senior Blake Magill’s fourth year in Xavier’s jazz band, he will continue to participate in jazz band in college.

“I’m not going  to cry over my last year of jazz band, but I will miss many of the people I have met through band,” Magill said. “I am very proud of what my fellow seniors and I have accomplished during our years at Xavier.” Magill plays trumpet for Jazz Band One.

To wrap up the jazz band season, Jazz Bands One and Two will perform at the Xavier Catholic Schools Jazz Festival on April 18.

Kayla Seymour

A&E Writer