Jazz Band Holds Fundraiser

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Photo courtesy of Mr. Van Bochove

Mr. Van Bochove celebrates with musician Sean Nowell, who works with the jazz band.

Stephen Tahbaz, Editorial Director, Junior

Smooth blues echoed through the halls of the high school and mingled with the enticing smell of home-cooked dishes on November 1. Led by Mr. Andrew Van Bochove, the PMHS jazz band spread the joy of music to parents, students, and friends during their second annual fundraising dinner.

“A fundraising concert is a nice team-building activity,” Mr. Van Bochove said.

Food for the fundraiser was cooked, transported, and set up by the parents of the jazz band. The band roared through the evening, playing three sets of music that included “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” by Randy Newman, and “Superstition,” by Stevie Wonder. The night was made extra special by Sean Nowell, a professional musician and private tutor, who has become a once-a-month educator in the jazz band. Nowell played alongside the band, accompanying them through the night.

Last spring, the jazz band traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana. The trip was an enriching experience for the whole ensemble; they received advice from musical professors at both Tulane and Loyola University. In addition, they got to experience the culture of New Orleans, and tour interesting sights across Louisiana.

This year, the jazz band is raising money for a trip to Orlando, Florida. Joined by the chamber chorus and orchestra, they plan to participate in a national music festival and test their skills as an ensemble. In addition, they will attend master classes at various universities and experience some fun at Universal Studios. The band originally planned to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, but large crowds caused by the NFL Draft pulled Van Bochove in a different direction.

“I can’t wait to go to Florida this year because of how much fun the jazz band had last year,” junior baritone saxophone player Charlie Pedorella said. “And this year, we are bringing two more ensembles with us!”