By Anna Santoro
Williamsville East has an award winning music department that helps their students expand their knowledge on different styles. One of the clubs you can join is vocal jazz. There are around 20 members in the group and about 40 people that audition. Their next concert is March 22nd at East, at 7pm. This concert is special because they will be performing with the kids from the Transit Middle School chorus.
Ms. Reilly is the advisor and started this club, “I started this group because I love jazz music,” Ms. Reilly said, “and having a really special small group of students, who are the elite members of the group.”
Member Ayden Weinstein, wanted to join vocal jazz because as a kid he always saw the group perform at Winterfest, and wanted to be a part of the magic they bring to the stage. A fan favorite song from this year’s vocal jazz ensemble, according to Junior Miles Seifert, is “Spinning Wheel” because of how jazzy and upbeat the song is.
They have four concerts every year. Usually, Ms. Reilly picks out her favorite pieces for the first three concerts, but for the last concert they get to pick any song they want, whether it’s jazz, pop, country, or any other style. In order to be a part of this club, you have to audition at the beginning of the year. You cannot join at any time. This group meets every Thursday morning at 7:00 am where they practice their songs for the concert. Usually they do about two songs per concert.
Come out and see what they can do!
