The Garnet Valley High School Jaguar Jazz Band is one of three jazz ensembles at Garnet Valley High School, along with a lab band and a small jazz combo. This group rehearses weekly and presents music throughout the school year at festivals, competitions, school events, and in the local community. The band performs a wide range of styles within the jazz tradition, focusing on ensemble playing and improvisation. We extend our appreciation to Mr. Snyder, the student musicians, and all the volunteers who helped make tonight possible.

The GVHS Jazz Band opens up tonight’s set with Cottontail by Duke Ellington. First recorded in 1940, this well-known Ellington composition originally featured an extended tenor saxophone solo by the great Ben Webster, performed tonight by Sean Maloney. You will also hear solos by Amanda Bilson on trumpet, Jayden Glatt on baritone saxophone, and Drew Thornton on piano.

Our second selection is Concerto for Cootie by Duke Ellington. Written in 1940 as a trumpet feature for Cootie Williams, it is widely considered a masterpiece and a brilliant example of Ellington’s genius as a composer and arranger. You may recognize the melody, as it was later adapted with lyrics to become the jazz standard Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me. The trumpet solo this evening will be performed by Amanda Bilson.

To close tonight’s performance, the Garnet Valley High School Jaguar Jazz Band will perform A Night in Tunisia by Dizzy Gillespie, which is widely regarded as his most famous composition. Tonight’s performance will feature Mason Goetcheus on trombone, Amanda Bilson on trumpet, Eliza Bilson on alto saxophone, and a percussion feature with Josh Vance on drum set and Aarav Parikh on congas.