Jazz Bands Jam at Wausau East

By Paige Gelling

On Saturday, January 15^th, the halls of Wausau East High School were filled with music from local jazz ensembles. Many jazz bands from around the area were in attendance at this year’s Wausau East Jazz Festival. The local high school bands got to play their pieces for local professional jazz musicians, and they received critiques afterward.

Participating in the festivities was our very own Newman Catholic High School Jazz Band. Junior Erin Gassner plays the tenor saxophone in our band, and she said she really enjoyed the festival. “I feel as if getting help from the local professional jazz musicians really helped our jazz band improve on our piece, especially in regards to technique. It was nice to get that extra help because this is the piece we will be performing at Solo & Ensemble this coming February. It was a very fun and educational experience and I can’t wait until next year.”

Later that evening, there was a jazz concert held in the Wausau East auditorium. Performers on the program included jazz groups from nine local high schools and John Greiner's SwingShift Band.