Students of all grades and skill levels performed in the Jazz Festival on Feb. 2
By Krista Cerminaro
Twelve high school jazz bands across South Jersey took the stage at Shawnee High School on Friday, Feb. 2, to compete against one another at Shawnee’s annual Jazz Festival.
However, despite being a competition, the bands showed support for one another through the process.
“The kids all root for each other,” said event coordinator and Shawnee band parent Jeanne Hauser. “Even though they’re competitors, they’re all excited to hear each other, and to congratulate each other. And that’s kind of fun, to see the camaraderie across schools.”
Senior jazz band member Kimberly Czekay explained that one of the most exciting parts of the Jazz Festival is being able to see her friends from other schools compete.
“I have friends who go to other high schools around here, who participate in this event, so it’s fun seeing them,” said Czekay, who’s been performing in the event since her freshman year.
While Shawnee was ineligible to win any awards because they hosted the event, Seneca was awarded for best rhythm section, Cherokee for best trumpet section, and Bridgewater-Raritan for best saxes and trombone.
The Jazz Festival was an opportunity for students of all grades and skill levels to perform for Shawnee parents and other Lenape Regional High School District parents, as well as members of the local community.
“It’s fun because this is the first one of the season for all of us,” Hauser said. “By the end of the season, you see a huge change in all of the band — and that’s kind of cool, to see that.”
This is Hauser’s second year overseeing the event.
“I’m just proud to sit in an ensemble that I know we’re going to put on a good show,” said Czekay, who plays the trombone, and is part of both the jazz band and ensemble. “I know that everyone there is going to be trying their best.”
Czekay said her band members have turned into family throughout her years at Shawnee.
“Freshman year when I started, I didn’t know how to play or anything, and our band director, Mr. Rotindo, has really helped me learn the ins and outs of the instrument. It’s just such a community of people,” Czekay said. “You make so many great friends here. It’s just like a family.”
Czekay also said being part of the band influenced her to hopefully pursue music beyond high school. “I definitely want to play in college,” Czekay noted.
While some students have been participating in the event for a few years, others, such as freshman Aleesha Deshmukh, were performing for the first time.
Deshmukh, who plays the alto saxophone, also performed a solo at the festival.
“It’s great how we all support each other, and it just makes us even closer as a band,” Deshmukh said.
Hauser explained that one of her favorite aspects of the Jazz Festival is that no matter the skill set, everyone gets a chance to perform.
“The nice thing is that, unlike sports, everybody gets to play,” Hauser said. “That’s what I like about music as a whole — whether it’s marching band or jazz band — is that everybody, of all levels, gets an opportunity to play, and you don’t see that all the time.”
Hauser also described the Jazz Festival as a way for students to grow and become more confident in performing.
“They’re small groups, so I think it gives the kids some confidence. You see people standing up and doing solos,” Hauser added. “It’s just a building process, but I think the confidence is what’s really great for the kids.”
