Penncrest Jazz Lab

The Jazz Lab is part of the Penncrest Jazz Program, which features two big bands and a combo. Membership is open to all Penncrest students regardless of experience or ability.
Rehearsals mercifully begin after the conclusion of the marching season. 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: Beyond the Sea
Composer/Arranger: Charles Trenet, Arr. Roger Holmes
Solos:
Rohan Gurnaney - alto sax
Selection 2: Norwegian Wood
Composer/Arranger: John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Arr. Michael Sweene
Solos:Â
Ben Helms-Johnson - alto sax
Selection 3: There's the Rub
Composer/Arranger: Gordon Goodwin, Arr. Peter Blair
Solos:
Chris Teti - baritone sax
In 1959, Bobby Darin recorded an English version of Charles Trenet’s song La Mer. The original was a tribute to the sea, but Darin’s version was a love song, and it reached #6 on the Billboard charts in early 1960. Today’s audiences might recognize this from the closing credits of Finding Nemo. Roger Holmes’ arrangement maintains the swing style of the original while adding a few original twists and turns.
One of the Beatles’ many forays into folk music, the jazz waltz Norwegian Wood features a simple, repeatable melody and chord progression that have inspired many musicians and arrangers to create their own versions. Michael Sweeney’s was heavily influenced by the Buddy Rich Big Band version, and similarly features the trombone section.
One of today’s most successful and iconic composers of big band music is pianist Gordon Goodwin. His albums with the Big Phat Band have helped build the resurgence of big bands in popular music. There’s the Rub is from the band’s debut album Swingin For the Fences, and is a great example of slo-funk style.
Alto Sax
Ben Helms-JohnsonÂ
Rohan Gurnaney
Austin Ernst
Jared Kaplan
Tenor Sax
Evan Goldstein
Donovan Truocchio
Trumpet
Chris Teti
Savannah Schmidt
Ethan Frey
Sophie Foster-Larner
Ben Werner
Trombone
Charles Davis
Beckett Strine
Mike Brechemin
Owen Meo
Piano
Nolan Doranz
Josephine Truocchio
Bass
Benji Wesley
Nigel Steager
Guitar
Nate Weinrich
Drums
Wayne Gavin
Ben Kinsley
Jeremy Lindenmuth
Director: Craig Snyder
Selection 1: Beyond the Sea
Composer/Arranger: Charles Trenet, Arr. Roger Holmes
Solos:
Rohan Gurnaney - alto sax
Selection 2: Norwegian Wood
Composer/Arranger: John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Arr. Michael Sweene
Solos:Â
Ben Helms-Johnson - alto sax
Selection 3: There's the Rub
Composer/Arranger: Gordon Goodwin, Arr. Peter Blair
Solos:
Chris Teti - baritone sax
In 1959, Bobby Darin recorded an English version of Charles Trenet’s song La Mer. The original was a tribute to the sea, but Darin’s version was a love song, and it reached #6 on the Billboard charts in early 1960. Today’s audiences might recognize this from the closing credits of Finding Nemo. Roger Holmes’ arrangement maintains the swing style of the original while adding a few original twists and turns.
One of the Beatles’ many forays into folk music, the jazz waltz Norwegian Wood features a simple, repeatable melody and chord progression that have inspired many musicians and arrangers to create their own versions. Michael Sweeney’s was heavily influenced by the Buddy Rich Big Band version, and similarly features the trombone section.
One of today’s most successful and iconic composers of big band music is pianist Gordon Goodwin. His albums with the Big Phat Band have helped build the resurgence of big bands in popular music. There’s the Rub is from the band’s debut album Swingin For the Fences, and is a great example of slo-funk style.
Alto Sax
Ben Helms-JohnsonÂ
Rohan Gurnaney
Austin Ernst
Jared Kaplan
Tenor Sax
Evan Goldstein
Donovan Truocchio
Trumpet
Chris Teti
Savannah Schmidt
Ethan Frey
Sophie Foster-Larner
Ben Werner
Trombone
Charles Davis
Beckett Strine
Mike Brechemin
Owen Meo
Piano
Nolan Doranz
Josephine Truocchio
Bass
Benji Wesley
Nigel Steager
Guitar
Nate Weinrich
Drums
Wayne Gavin
Ben Kinsley
Jeremy Lindenmuth