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Penncrest Jazz Band

Penncrest Jazz

The Jazz Band is the premiere ensemble in the Penncrest Jazz Program, which features two big bands and a combo.


Auditions for the program are held in the fall and are open to all Penncrest students. Rehearsals mercifully begin after the conclusion of the marching season. The Jazz Band rehearses once a week as an ensemble, with each section adding an additional student-run sectional once per week.


The objective of the program is to develop style, improvisation, and independent playing through the study of America’s Unique Art Form. Penncrest is excited to perform once again at Jazz Night and would like to thank Mr. Thameen, our clinician/performers, and all the volunteers and students for providing us with a great experience.

PROGRAM

Director: Craig Snyder


Selection 1: Buckjump

Composer/Arranger: Troy Andrews and Mike Ballard, Arr. John Wasson

Solos:

Gavin Loeper - trombone

Ben Werner - trombone

Zach Merillat - drums


Selection 2: Well, You Needn't

Composer/Arranger: Thelonius Monk, Arr. Ian McDougall

Solos: 

Olivia Truocchio - piano

Jared Kaplan - tenor sax


Selection 3: Afro Blue

Composer/Arranger: Mongo Santamaria, Arr. Michael Philip Mossman

Solos:

Jared Kaplan - flute

Anthony Rossi - trumpet


 

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews burst onto the scene in 2002, bringing with him a mix of New Orleans jazz, funk, hip hop, and second line parade music. Buckjump is an example of heavy funk and it’s only fitting that we feature two of our trombone players as soloists.


One of the truly unique voices in music was Thelonius Monk. His harmonic as well as his rhythmic approach to composition as well as improvisation has  influenced generations of players. Well, You Needn’t is a perfect example of Monk’s creativity and humor, and is a favorite standard amongst jazz musicians.


Afro Blue was the first jazz standard to incorporate the 3:2 African polyrhythm. This essentially means the ensemble is performing in 6/8 and 3/4 at the same time. Following Mongo Santamaria’s original recording, Afro Blue was recorded by other artists such as John Coltrane and Erikah Baydu. Mossman’s arrangement stays true to the original while incorporating the chord progression for the solos from another famous standard, “All Blues.”


Alto Sax

Josie InTham

Lucas Velez

Tenor Sax

Jared Kaplan

Katie Gommer

Baritone Sax

Alexis Smith

Trumpet

Erin Brechemin

Anthony Rossi

Matt Tang

Griffin Pastino

Trombone

Ben Werner

Zoe Mackenzie

Grace Sanford

Gavin Loeper

Piano

Olivia Truocchio

Bass

Dean Gabriel

Guitar

Evan Menta

Drums

Zach Merillat

Wayne Gavin

Director: Craig Snyder


Selection 1: Buckjump

Composer/Arranger: Troy Andrews and Mike Ballard, Arr. John Wasson

Solos:

Gavin Loeper - trombone

Ben Werner - trombone

Zach Merillat - drums


Selection 2: Well, You Needn't

Composer/Arranger: Thelonius Monk, Arr. Ian McDougall

Solos: 

Olivia Truocchio - piano

Jared Kaplan - tenor sax


Selection 3: Afro Blue

Composer/Arranger: Mongo Santamaria, Arr. Michael Philip Mossman

Solos:

Jared Kaplan - flute

Anthony Rossi - trumpet


 

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews burst onto the scene in 2002, bringing with him a mix of New Orleans jazz, funk, hip hop, and second line parade music. Buckjump is an example of heavy funk and it’s only fitting that we feature two of our trombone players as soloists.


One of the truly unique voices in music was Thelonius Monk. His harmonic as well as his rhythmic approach to composition as well as improvisation has  influenced generations of players. Well, You Needn’t is a perfect example of Monk’s creativity and humor, and is a favorite standard amongst jazz musicians.


Afro Blue was the first jazz standard to incorporate the 3:2 African polyrhythm. This essentially means the ensemble is performing in 6/8 and 3/4 at the same time. Following Mongo Santamaria’s original recording, Afro Blue was recorded by other artists such as John Coltrane and Erikah Baydu. Mossman’s arrangement stays true to the original while incorporating the chord progression for the solos from another famous standard, “All Blues.”


Alto Sax

Josie InTham

Lucas Velez

Tenor Sax

Jared Kaplan

Katie Gommer

Baritone Sax

Alexis Smith

Trumpet

Erin Brechemin

Anthony Rossi

Matt Tang

Griffin Pastino

Trombone

Ben Werner

Zoe Mackenzie

Grace Sanford

Gavin Loeper

Piano

Olivia Truocchio

Bass

Dean Gabriel

Guitar

Evan Menta

Drums

Zach Merillat

Wayne Gavin

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