Cafeteria C was transformed into a jazz club on November 8 as the PMHS Jazz Band held their first-ever fundraiser, an event to reduce the costs of their trip to New Orleans this spring. The band raised more than $2,000.

The smooth rhythms and beats were embraced by the audience and provided a fun atmosphere for all. With the addition of an all-you-could-eat buffet and dancing, the jazz fundraiser proved it was the place to be.

“It was an awesome night,” said pianist Johnny Liesman, senior. “We really came together as a band and it proved to be a huge success.”

The band played big-time classics such as “April in Paris” by Vernon Duke and “Rock You like a Hurricane,” by Rudolf Schenker. Notable moments at the event included the solos of sophomore Stephen Tahbaz on the saxophone and senior Michael Ruggiero on the guitar. To add to the night, the Acapelicans, PMHS’ newest club, made their vocal debut and sang a rendition of “Shape of You,” made famous by Ed Sheeran.

Being the first of its kind, the jazz fundraiser proved to be a major success.

The man behind the triumph was Jazz Band teacher Mr. Van Bochove, who conceived the entire event in hopes of defraying the costs for their planned trip to New Orleans.

The band’s agenda in New Orleans consists of two university workshops that will assist them in fine tuning their own skills. The band will also learn the history of jazz in New Orleans and showcase their talents with a live performance.

Mr. Van Bachove showed great pride in his students, saying, “They stick to their work and they have started the year off wonderfully.”