Rainy Day Blues: Jazz Band Cuts Performance Short Due to Weather

by FHS sophomores and Eagle Beat reporters Callie Morgan and Bailey Holland

Jazz students were interrupted by rain and wind at their recent outdoor performance. Despite efforts from both students and band directors, some equipment returned to the band hall dripping water. When the students found shelter, laughs were had, and new memories were sealed with a group photo.

The Jazz Band performed their “Blues on the Square” concert at Boo on the Square on October 25, 2023.

“I think Jazz is a great culture,” sophomore Aiden Adams said. “The theory, the history, all of it is really incredible.”

This made the second year the Jazz Band has performed on the Square for this event.

“I love playing with my fellow Band members,” senior Damita Wimberly said. “Playing in Jazz and learning a new instrument is an experience that not many people can or have the opportunity to experience.”

The band also set up games and passed out candy with the help of band boosters, drum majors, squad leaders, and volunteers.

“This is my first year doing Jazz Band,” senior Emily Kent said. “First time playing the saxophone, and it’s fun.”

Before the weather interrupted, the band played a selection of songs, including Halloween classics like Ghostbusters, Thriller, and In The Hall of The Mountain King.

“I like Jazz,” senior Itzel Rosales said. “Emily made me join, and I like the music.”

Roughly 20 minutes into the jazz band’s show, sudden winds blew stands and music alike off of the courthouse steps. Students scrambled to put away instruments and equipment and return them to the Band Van.

“I think the rain made this more fun,” junior RaeAnn Rossiaky said. “There’s no way any of our cases survived that, though.”

The Jazz Band is directed by Russell Holland and consists of 17 students which include Jerry Draper, Itzel Rosales, Skyler Cook, and Julio Serrato on Alto Saxophone. Callie Morgan and Emily Kent on Tenor Saxophone. Caden Thibodeaux on Bari Saxophone. Damita Wimberly, RaeAnne Rossiaky, and Jude Rounds on Trumpet. Ben Kilkenny, Tevin Eam, Andy Banda, and Alfonso Rodriguez on Trombone. Aiden Adams on Piano, Brooke Cobb on Bass Guitar, and Angie Cobb on Drums.