Friends and families filled the Pause to see Friday night’s Jazz Ⅰ performance. The show featured a diverse mix of composers and styles, from slow and soulful, to swing and mamba. Conducted by Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson, the theme of the show was Firm Roots, which is also the title of the piece the group performed by Cedar Walton, arranged by Frank Foster. “For anything to flourish it has to be planted well and have good roots,” Jefferson said.
The ensemble launched into their first piece, Too Close for Comfort by Jerry Brock—arranged by Bill Holman—as Jefferson stepped aside, bobbing his head to the rhythm. The jazz concert environment was fun and lighthearted. Dr. Jefferson asked the audience to enjoy themselves and applaud, scream, or make noise during the pieces to encourage the students on stage, an invitation they happily embraced. Vocalist Jenna York ’27 said in an interview with The Olaf Messenger that the interactions transformed the experience: “It takes you out of the anxious feeling because you are just having fun with it, especially when you can feel that from the crowd.”
York joined the band for two contrasting pieces— I Didn’t Know About You by Duke Ellington, a slow, passionate love ballad; and Cactus Blossom by Annie Booth, a modern tune written for wordless voice with an airy and fun feel. The group had the opportunity to meet with composer Annie Booth virtually in the week before the concert to hear feedback and get advice on their performance of the piece.
The concert concluded with three upbeat numbers: Let’s Get Down, Jolly Beach, and finally, Sambra Para Minha Avo’ (Song for my Grandma), a mamba with high energy from beginning to end. Throughout, Sophia González ’26 rang out on the vibraphone, and Caroline Ferris ’26 delivered impressive tenor saxophone solos. “This was my first time attending a jazz concert and it did not disappoint,” Julia Pomerleau ’26 said in an interview with The Olaf Messenger. “It was absolutely fantastic and I’m so glad I went.”
For York, performing with the band offered her a good vantage point. “I have a completely different perspective than everyone else…seeing the band where they started…and seeing all the hard work they’ve put into it and the final product is really impressive,” said York after the concert.
This semester’s performance served as preparation for the 2025 Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, where the group will have the prestigious honor of performing this year.
