Pres Jazzes up October Concert

     Presentation’s Jazz Band and Choir held their debut concert “Get Jazzed!” on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Valenzuela Theatre. Directory Jerry Lovejoy said that he was especially happy with the choir’s newest members. “I think the freshmen make an incredible contribution to the Choir,” he said. “It’s refreshing to work with such a close-knit group.”

     He was similarly complimentary toward the band: “Since becoming a class at Pres, the Jazz Band has been developing skills so rapidly. We can tackle tougher charts and perform at a much higher level than before.”

       The small but skilled band began their set with “We Will Rock You,” composed by Brian May and originally performed by the rock band Queen. The band also performed a rendition of Miles Davis’s “Milestones” and finished their first set with Jeff Darrohn’s “Gospel Blues.”

     “The Jazz Band has really progressed since last year. We’re even more dedicated than before,” said senior Nicole Rodrigues. “This year, because we had all kinds of experience, we’re doing really well.”

       “I really enjoy being in band because we have so much fun with each other,” added Angel Santos, sophomore.

        The choir was next to take the stage. As always, they treated the audience to a strong and melodious performance.  They began their set with Snyder’s “Nella Fantasia,” which is written entirely in Italian. Tiffany Merritt, senior, started the song off with a lovely solo.

       Shruti Swaminathan, freshman, said, “It’s so much fun. We’re just like a gigantic family.” Many of the girls seem to be in agreement. “We can be really loud and obnoxious, but it’s okay to be like that here,” said Victoria Schmitt, senior.

      The Choir’s second song was Funk’s “Yonder Come Day,” Danielle Marquez, sophomore, said, “There’s a little bit we need to work on, but I think we’re doing well, and I really enjoy being in the group.” To wrap up their first set, the choir sang a beautiful, albeit wordless, version of Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” from the ballet The Nutcracker.

        The band then retook the stage for their final song, “You Really Got Me,” the 1960s hit composed by Ray Davies. They were then joined on the stage by the choir, whose final song, John Leavitt’s Festival Sanctus, closed the night with a bang.

        Overall, it seems as if the Presentation Music Department is off to a good start this year. The donations collected at the concert and future shows and fundraisers will help pay for the groups’ trip to New Orleans this April. You can see the group next on December 19 at 7 p.m. for their Christmas performance in the San Jose Basilica.

      When asked what he hopes the two groups will accomplish this year, Mr. Lovejoy said, “I’d like to see them each become the very best performing group they can be. Not only in performance and rehearsal, but also in relationships. We perform better when we relate to one another at a deeper level.”

      For any questions, comments you can contact Mr. Lovejoy at http://www.pres-net.com/academics/art/lovejoy/lovejoy.html