Springtime "gigs" showcase the many talents of PW Jazz Band

From the Methacton Jazz Festival to the National Constitution Center, the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Jazz Band has been impressing a number of different audiences throughout the region this spring.

The band earned a superior rating at the Methacton Jazz Festival on March 28 at Arcola Middle School, where a number of students also received individual honors:

• Davin Haley, alto saxophone, Best Soloist
• Katie Abai, vocals, Best Soloist Honorable Mention
• Jack Hanson, trumpet, Best Soloist Honorable Mention
• Luke Farnese, Davin Haley, Lukas Koskela, Bobby Hutchinson, Leo Nasatir, Nick McKeever, and Melanie Bertram, Best Saxophone Section Award
• Angel Romero, Max Tobin, Maddox Starr, and Blake Ambler, Best Trombone Section

Following the festival, the jazz band went on the road to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to play for the Federal Judges Association on April 3. The group was invited to perform by a former Band Booster officer who was connected to the event.

The students received two standing ovations and played an encore in a room overlooking Independence Hall. The students and Director Tonia Kaufman found the experience exciting, given the prestige of the venue, its acoustics, and the proximity to influential guests. 

“This jazz performance was one of the highlights of my career thus far,” said Ms. Kaufman. “The students played wonderfully and the setting was incredible. The room was filled with energy. Everything about this performance made it special." 

Tenor saxophonist Bobby Hutchinson and alto saxophonist Lukas Koskela both appreciated the experience of performing at a function to get insights on what a real gig is like, while trumpeter Ace Cratin appreciated the acoustics that contributed to the band’s sound. Katie Abai, vocals, and Jack Hanson, trumpet, made an impact during the band’s performance of “Over the Rainbow.”

“I think that the band really rose to the occasion. Katie Abai, Jack Hanson, and Davin Haley all performed incredible solos,” said Naomi Hoffman, who plays bass and trumpet.

The Jazz Band's next performance will be at the Spring Band Concert on May 1 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.