On Wednesday, April 22, students gathered for the Rock and Jazz concert in Centennial Hall to witness the result of months of hard work from both middle and upper school students. Whether it be the elegant and sophisticated performance by the Jazz Band opening the concert or the farewell performance of the student band Westward, the concert was not to be missed.
None of this would have been possible without many rehearsals and much practice. Even so, students insist that joining bands is not the daunting task it seems.
Fourth Former Ebiel Febres said, “I think Jazz Band is a pretty fun extracurricular, which anyone can do without having to devote all of their time to it.”
The group meets once a week on Tuesday nights from six to eight o’clock. This schedule gives students time to pursue what interests them and to express their individuality as musicians, rather than solely practicing as a collective.
Febres said, “We can choose when we want to practice on our own, and what we want to practice.”
Rock bands face a similar challenge. In addition to other tasks, some individuals participate in multiple bands, leading to scheduling conflicts. Although spaces to rehearse are available on campus, they are few and often limited to only certain hours of the day. The Conservatory, despite providing several practice areas, proves itself somewhat small for bands with large equipment.
“It promotes the school’s music program and allows peers to explore variations of music and support others’ passions.”
Alton Tiongco ’28
Students still find meaning and joy in performing. Fourth Former Alton Tiongco, a member of the Jazz Band, views the importance of both participating in and viewing these concerts.
“It promotes the school’s music program and allows peers to explore variations of music and support others’ passions,” Tiongco said.
The Jazz and Rock concert is a culmination of all things music and spectacle. For anyone with musical interests of any kind, it is a chance to appreciate the hard work of fellow Haverford students.
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