A Swinging Evening of Jazz

After a sneak peek performance at Monday’s assembly, we were in no doubt that Jazz Night would be a tremendously entertaining evening of music. In contrast to delicate and elegant offering at Wednesday evening’s Chamber Concert, the up-tempo music in Thursday’s jazz programme got the audience tapping their feet and resisting the urge to get up and dance. It was a true testament to the Music Department and our young musicians that Alleyn’s could present two such varied repertoires and genres in a short space of time.

The evening in the Great Hall kicked off with a mood-boosting rendition of Uptown Funk by the cheekily named No. 10 Party Band and followed by a string of excellent performances by Soul Choir, Cuba Libre, Alex Buckley Trio, Swing Doctors and the Jazz Band.

Music Teacher Ned Bennett was full of praise for the performers and said, "What a joy to be back playing jazz in front of a live audience. Wonderful, spirited performances were given by a whole host of talented pupils. From 1930s Swing, via Cuban Salsa to Gospel and the odd premiere, this was enjoyed by a full house, brought to their feet at the end by the Jazz Band with solos from Alex, Sophie and Zephyr".

Director of Music Chris Dearmer was equally delighted, adding, "Jazz Night this year involved a complete transformation of the Great Hall thanks to colleagues across the school and proved to be a wonderful venue for a host of truly sparkling performances from Alleyn's jazz musicians and soul singers alike. Ensembles led by Miss Wynter and Mr Bennett entertained the capacity audience with classics from composers including Corea, Cohen and Kirk Franklin. The standing ovation at the end was a testament to the incredible quality of all performers!"