HOULTON, Maine — If good food, great music and a chance to bid on some nifty items in a silent auction is your idea of a night out on the town, then Houlton’s Community Arts Center is the place to be this Friday as the Houlton Music Boosters present “All That Jazz.”
An appetizer and dessert fundraiser featuring the Houlton High School jazz combo and jazz band, the evening begins in the school cafeteria starting at 6 p.m. A spread of various appetizers donated by music parents will be served in the cafeteria while the Jazz Combo provides entertaining jazz standards.
A concert will then be held in the auditorium by the high school jazz band, followed by desserts back in the cafeteria. There is also a silent auction with many locally donated items to bid on.
“The proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward the HHS band and chorus trip to New York City in April,” said Joe Fagnant, band director.
The combo students are under the direction of jazz educator and professional musician David Wells. Wells recently moved to the Houlton area and has been involved with the high school music program as a visiting artist and as the jazz combo director.
Students have been working with Wells learning improvisation and small ensemble techniques. Jazz combo members are Alex York, bass; Barrett Dunn, piano; Ethan Nickerson, drumset; Hannah Gervais, tenor sax; Alex Casillas, trumpet; Isaac Morse, trombone; and Elyjah Crockett, baritone sax.
The high school jazz band will perform various styles of music including: rock, funk, blues, swing, and will feature instrumental solos along with vocalist Natalie Rush. Saxophone section members are Haven Rhoda, Keegan Fitzpatrick, Robert Woods, Erin Keehn, John Ramsey and Hannah Gervais. Trombone section includes Isaac Morse, Connor Grant, Sam Astle, Phoenix Crocket and Robert Remington. Trumpet players are Alex Casillas, Isaac Morse, Barrett Dunn, Adam Casillas, Josh Sullivan and Jacob Jones. The rhythm section members are Ethan Nickerson, Ryan Tribou, Alex York, Justin Queen, Mallory Clayton and Rush.
“The Music Boosters have had a busy season of hosting festivals and appreciate the donations from the community and local businesses that continue to support music activities for our students,” Fagnant said.
These two Houlton jazz groups will also be part of the Northern Maine Music Educators District Jazz Festival held on Thursday, Feb. 28, starting at 3 p.m. in the school auditorium. This festival will be the qualifying event to move on to state competition for all instrumental/vocal jazz groups and show choirs. The festival will feature 15 ensembles from Aroostook County.
Tickets are $3 adults, $2 students/seniors and $10 family (parents, siblings not to exceed five tickets).
The final major event to help raise money for the NYC trip will be the hosting of the Maine State High School Instrumental Jazz Festival on March 15 and 16. This two-day jazz festival will feature the best jazz musicians in Maine, performing in jazz combos and jazz bands. Houlton High School will be filled with around 70 performing groups. More information on this festival will be forthcoming.
Tickets for this event are $6 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens. Advance tickets are being sold by high school band and chorus students or by calling Becky Day at 521-7005. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
