18 Elite CHS Musicians Play in Jazz Ensemble

The following article appeared in the February 2010 edition of The Columbian, the student newspaper of Columbia High School. It was written by CHS junior Jack Podhoretz. 

Every Thursday night at 7:30, 18 of the best high school musicians from Maplewood and South Orange made their way to Columbia High School this school year. In a nearly empty building, the select group sits down, takes out their instruments, and begins to experiment. For an hour, these students embrace music from a different perspective.

CHS takes pride in its music program, and the Jazz Ensemble is one of its most prestigious groups. This year's group of artists has kept that tradition alive. Showcased by All-State trumpet player Allison Phillips, '10, these elite musicians have learned how to play with one another. They take time out of their hectic lives to include their common passion for music.

Unlike the CHS band, which practices during school, the CHS Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular activity. "There are two ensembles. In order to be a part of Jazz Ensemble 2 you just need to know how to read music, but for Jazz Ensemble 1, there are tryouts," said Peter Bauer, the club's director. Jazz Ensemble 1 only accepts 18 musicians, "five saxophones, five trumpets, four trombones, one guitarist, one pianist, one drummer and one bass." This selection process gives the best players a chance to play with each other.

Guitarist Cory Dahn, '10, has been a part of Jazz Ensemble 1 for three years. "It gives us the opportunity to play a lot of different songs that we usually wouldn't be able to," he said.

Lizzy Burns, '10, another club member, said what she loves about the ensemble is that they get to "make really cool tunes together." Burns plays as the lone bass member of the ensemble.

"I've been a part of the ensemble for four years now," said trumpeter Chris Smith, '10. "It allows me to have a different connection to music."

For these musicians, the Jazz Ensemble is more than a hobby. They work hard on mastering different songs to display for the public, and during the year, they perform throughout the Maplewood and South Orange community.

"We put on a show for the Maplewood Country Club a few times a year, and we also have our big performance here in June," said Dahn.

Bauer admitted that they were not in any competitions this year but that "they still have fun playing more sophisticated tunes."

When the hour of practice expires, the jazz musicians reluctantly put away their instruments. Despite their desire to stay, they leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for music.