The first ever Jazz Band at LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) performed tonight (12.11.18) in the LMPS Cafetorium for the Winter Concert.
The 17-member band joined the Beginning Band and Concert Band for the Winter Band Concert — “Jingle All the Way.”
Anneliese Land, band director, said, “This is such an exciting moment. This is the first LMPS jazz band ever in existence.” The middle school opened to grades 5-8 in August 2017.
Mrs. Land noted some of the Jazz Band members play a secondary instrument. The six dual instrument members are Carlos Medina, Caroline Floyd, Dudley Nichols, Ashleigh Harmon, Jennifer Tan and Olivia McLaughlin.
She said the new Band began in October with two practices weekly at 7 a.m. “We’ve been learning to speak the language of jazz.”
And spotlighted tonight in the first ever performance were three soloists: Bennett Hale on alto saxophone; Carlos Medina on tenor saxophone; and Camden Korsmo on trumpet. During “Feliz Navidad,” the three students demonstrated spontaneous composition or improvisation, she said. Also presented by the Jazz Band was “Ja-Da,” a swing piece, said Mrs. Land.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/T9jppnAsDP8XDwTK6
There was a full house to hear the holiday program with the LMPS Band Boosters selling sugary treats to families and guests and a reception for the student performers after the show.
Beginning Band with 27 members was first on the program with “First Winter’s Sleigh Ride” and “Band on the Housetop.”
The 45-member Concert Band was next with “Twelve Carols for Christmas” followed by “All Through the Silent Night” and “Dance of the Tumblers.” In the absence of one of the Band members, Paula Turner, Orchestra director, substituted in percussion.
Thursday night, the Orchestra will present its Winter Concert — “Merry & Bright” at 6:30 p.m. in the LMPS Cafetorium. A $5 donation is suggested.
The Winter Choir Concert — “Season’s Greetings” — was Dec. 4 at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
… Video and photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
