February, a time where love – and scents of chocolate and flowers – wafts through the air, and for Riverside’s band, a chance to provide the community with a time to come together for a night of good music.
On Tuesday, February 10th, Riverside’s Jazz Band will be hosting their Valentine’s Swing Dance Fundraiser from 7-9 pm. at the Auburn Riverside High School gym.
This fundraising event’s ticket proceeds, as well as concessions, and a raffle, will go towards Riverside’s wind ensemble and jazz bands’ trip to Carnegie Hall in the spring.
“I had first learned of this event at the beginning of the year,” recalled junior trombonist and euphoniumist, Reese Lacy, “I am really excited, not just because I get to do what I love, but also make it a special night for the other students.”
This fundraiser will not only be a chance for Reese and the rest of the band students to showcase their talents, but also a good way to help them pay for their group trip to New York in March.
“I will be a part of the trip to New York, as both part of the jazz band and the wind ensemble,” Reese said. “I have never been to New York, but I am very excited to experience something new.”
Riverside’s Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at Carnegie Hall and Jazz Band is set to perform in Central Park, which is nothing short of a great opportunity for students to develop as musicians.
For Reese, and many other band students, band is much more than playing an instrument.
“It’s about creating a story that the audience can follow along and enjoy, that being a heroic fanfare or a melancholic love ballet,” Reese details, “but most importantly, it’s about connecting yourself with other musicians. Band is never a solo activity, so being able to create a story with others for everyone to enjoy is a sort of joy that you can’t replace.”
Similarly, sophomore string bassist, Jasmin Jackson, finds connection with others through her years in band, and is excited to expand her musical horizons in the Big Apple.
“I hope to learn more about other players and connect with more bass players from across the country. I think that getting to hear new people from all over the country will give me the opportunity to expand my taste in music.”
Not only does Jasmin express her gratitude for this upcoming trip, but for the very individuals who welcomed her to Riverside band last year.
“Riverside’s band program is so special to me, ever since I joined freshman year I have always felt so welcomed by everyone,” Jasmin said. “All of the jazz band students work incredibly hard and I can’t wait to see where we get to go in the future. Mrs. Wagner is an amazing band director and I believe that she truly made some beautiful bands who work hard and can encourage the younger generations to give music a try and possibly make it a career.”
Senior French horn player, pianist, and percussionist, Ella Wagner, can attest that Riverside band has been putting in the work for their upcoming fundraiser.
“We’ve been working really hard to prepare some really awesome and intricate pieces of music,” Ella said. “I’m proud to be a part of such a dedicated and passionate group of musicians.”
One song that you can look forward to hearing on fundraiser night is a well-loved classic, known for its timeless, catchy melody and its star-studded affiliation.
“The theme of the event is ‘New York, New York’ so of course we will be playing the Frank Sinatra tune, New York, New York. We are preparing a variety of music from recognizable classics to some new and modern pieces.”
Along with the plethora of classic jazz hits that will be performed, there will be a 30-minute swing dance instruction given by professional dance instructors who will provide you with basic moves to get you started. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes.
Admission to the event is by donation.
Besides ticket sales, band director, Meghan Wagner, said that food, refreshments, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event, and will be going directly to their fundraising goal of $5,000.
“We are raffling off some gift baskets,” Wagner said. “The raffle includes the opportunity to conduct the band in a future concert, and other prizes.”
Her students remarked that this fundraiser would not have been made possible without Wagner’s dedication to Riverside band.
“The music program is very lucky to have such a wonderful director, who is able to bring out the best in everyone,” Reese said. “I look forward to a wonderful performance for everyone to enjoy.”
