WHS Jazz Band Presents Anual Big Band Dance
What could be better than white lights and dancing to the pitch perfect sounds of the Wooster High School Music Dept.’s Jazz Band?
On May 6, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the WHS Commons, Jazz Band will be hosting their annual Big Band Dance.
Every year, people young and old attend the dance to listen and dance to the Jazz Band.
“The Big Band Dance is set apart from other dances by the live performance from the Jazz Band and the overall atmosphere and community participation in the dance,” Estelle Shaya (11), three year alto saxophonist in the Jazz Band, said.
Patrick Parker (11), the first year bass player of the Jazz Band, said, “I feel like I am going to be ready. I think it will be a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to it.”
Dan Adams, Director of the Jazz Band and Music Dept. member, said he thinks the dance will go well and notes that he is very excited about the Jazz Band’s performance.
In addition, prior to the event every year, a professional dance instructor provides a free class to all Big Band dance goers before the doors open for the dance in the WHS main gym.
The Big Band tradition is also rooted in the culture of the United States, according to Len Weinstock of The Red Hot Jazz Archive, as the big band era began at the turn of the twentieth-century and continued through 1955, when rock became popular with artists such as Elvis.
The Big Band era peaked following the Great Depression as many saw Big Band music as an escape from their hard day jobs putting food on the table.
This music was rooted in emotion and was able to help people forget the distinctly disappointing emotions of the day and replace them with the lively and interesting emotions permeated by the musician’s sounds.
Not only is the Jazz Band gearing up for the Big Band Dance, but the community and the student body are waiting in anticipation as well.
Emma Payment (11), says, “The Big Band Dance is my favorite dance of the year, and the music is amazing.”
The Big Band Dance has been a part of the Wooster community for many a year and will be for many more.
