Penncrest Jazz Band
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
