Hall High School's Pops 'n Jazz Show Opens

I am constantly amazed by the talented students we have in West Hartford. Both of my kids were lucky enough to be chosen for the Inter-El Band, and I thought those performances at the Bushnell were an outstanding testament to the quality of the music program in this town. It was hard to remember that they were just elementary school students.

By the time many of these students get to high school, they are capable of even more remarkable performances. Just open up the website for annual Pops ’n Jazz program (www.hallhighjazz.com), and you will know that it is something extraordinary. Turn on your computer’s speaker, and listen to the musical accompaniment for each section of the website to get a small sampling of just how talented these high school students are.

The students involved in Hall’s Jazz program are fortunate to have jazz as part of their daily curriculum, and Hall was one of the first high schools in the country to do that. However, many of the performing groups put in extra evening and weekend hours, and also participate in shows and competitions. Hall students have performed throughout the world, and this year the Concert Jazz Band was chosen as one of 15 finalists (from the United States and Canada) in the “Essentially Ellington” competition.

“This is the 53^rd year; it’s an amazing tradition,” said Kathy Andrews, whose son plays in the Concert Jazz Band. “It’s such a neat show, with not only bands, but also singing and dancing. It’s extremely well-choreographed and put together. The kids start preparing in September,” said Andrews. More than 100 students are involved in this year’s Pops ’n Jazz program.

“There are over 30 tunes, and the show changes every night with different guest artists,” said Hall’s Band Director, John Mastroianni. Highlights will include a medley from “Chorus Line” (which Mastroianni arranged for the show) as well as an Earth, Wind & Fire medley. “Most of the show features a wide variety of jazz, but we also include the pop genre as well as some R&B, too,” Mastroianni said.

Mastroianni said that the talent pool is extremely deep at Hall, and each performance is different so they can allow as many solos as possible. When asked about standout performers, Mastroianni said that singer Alita Moses and tenor saxophonist Matt Kampe are “two of the most extraordinary musicians I have ever met in my 30-year career.” Both plan to study music in college.

Haig Shahverdian, Director of Fine and Performing Arts for the , has been producing/directing Pops ’n Jazz since 1990, and has been involved with the show in some capacity since the mid-1970s. “For me, it’s the unsung heroes that make this show amazing,” Shahverdian told me. He praised the dedication of people like Technical Director Brian Jacobs, and Hall student Andrew Salm, who is the sound engineer, as well as the other students and teachers who are involved behind the scenes. “Pops ’n Jazz has great music, and great dancers and singers, but the other pieces are what make this show a great theatrical production,” said Shahverdian.

Pops ’n Jazz always includes some special guests – Hall alumni who have excelled in their professional music careers. This year’s guests include trombonist Peter McGuiness on March 19 and tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger on March 24. Renowned trumpet player Tony Kadleck – who is not a Hall graduate – will appear as guest artist on March 26.

Featured groups include the Concert Jazz Band and Jazz Band (directed by Mastroianni), Jazz Dancers (under the direction of choreographer Darlene Zoller), and the Choraliers (directed by Lorri Cetto). The show open on Friday night, March 18, and performances will also take place on March 19, 24, 25 and 26. Groups from as well as several elementary schools will also participate in certain performances. Check the website for a full schedule of featured guests. Tickets are available through the or by calling 860-232-4561, Ext. 1856.