Where: Shorewood Theater

Cost: $0!

What to expect: Jazz Choir performing, then Jazz band performing

When wandering the halls on your way to class or wasting time before school starts, few students step into the halls behind the theater. Hiding in the wings sits the performance rooms, housing Shorewood’s very own Jazz Choir and Band. Practicing in the early hours of zero period, these musicians show up long before most students. Soon, they’ll lurk here long after too. On Nov. 22, at 7 p.m., they’ll take their places on the stage with their swingy songs for Jazz Night.

But what is this “jazz night?” According to senior Ellen Hume, a member of the jazz choir, it’s more of an opportunity to showcase the jazz groups’ skills than anything. “I’d say jazz night is a celebration of jazz at Shorewood and its community, and how much work and effort and love is poured into it here,” she said. 

Meeting daily, the jazz choir spends hours each week on their work. Jazz night is a chance for them to show it all off.  “I think it’s a really cool opportunity for people to come and check out all the talent that sometimes I think goes underappreciated.”

Other members of the jazz world share her sentiment. Dan Baker, the jazz band’s teacher, is eager to have students come to the show. “Students are working really hard and we’d love to see people support them at their concert,” he said. Under his tutelage, the jazz band is preparing to perform with the core tenet of jazz- improvisation. It’s a focus in his teaching- “…improvisation is something that we practice as a whole class. Which is important to me because it’s where jazz comes from.” 

Marilee Clobes, director of the jazz choir, agrees with Baker. “These musicians have been working hard and it shows!” The jazz choir and band have never collaborated on a concert before, making this one an exciting new frontier for both groups. “We do not have many opportunities to do combined concerts with the band, so this is an exciting event!” Clobes said. “Jazz night is an awesome opportunity to listen to all of our jazz musicians at Shorewood share their art.”

Performing at the concert will be Shorewood’s jazz choir -After Hours Jazz Choir- and the yet-to-be-named jazz band. The jazz band offers not only the class but a special audition only band. The audition band competes in competitions across the state, as does After Hours Jazz Choir. Meanwhile, the class focuses on helping the members grow as musicians. All three groups will be on stage during the performance.

Many different styles of jazz will all be making an appearance on Jazz Night. After Hours Jazz Choir and the jazz band each have sets which involve swing, latin, ballads, and funk/rock. The variety is also part of the magic of jazz, “…jazz really comes out of a culture of small group and improvisation and collaboration.” Baker says. It’s no surprise such a wide range arose in the genre with history like jazz’s. Like all music, it’s something universal- “Improvisation, collaboration, and communication. Jazz is communication.”

The event is fully free, with no tickets or admission. Attendees will be able to walk into the theater and take whichever seats they choose. During the performance, After Hours Jazz Choir will take the stage first, followed by the jazz band and the audition band. 

While it’s unlikely the two groups will perform side-by-side during this concert, Baker hopes they’ll have the opportunity to later on. The jazz band and choir will continue to perform throughout the year, Jazz Night being their fall concert. 

Overall, one thing was clear- no matter your stance on jazz music, they want to have you in the audience. “We would just love to see some Shorewood students at a jazz concert and get exposed to new music,” said Baker. Hume agreed, saying “…I’m just really excited to showcase all of our work!” Clobes added “Please come support our jazz groups and enjoy some wonderful music!”

The two groups will meet on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Shorewood theater for the show.