Summit Hill Jazz Bands Shine at Lincoln-Way Central Jazz Festival

Submitted by Summit Hill District 161

One of the most popular music programs at Summit Hill Junior High is the jazz band program and this was certainly evident at the recent Lincoln-Way Central Jazz Festival. On Saturday, January 10, all three of the SHJH Jazz bands, which involve over 60 students, performed at the festival, which was attended mostly by high school jazz ensembles and combos. Each SHJH group performed three pieces for a clinician, who not only recorded written feedback for the band but worked with them in a clinic setting after their performance.

The three SHJH Jazz bands are named for the day they rehearse: the Tuesday Jazz Band, the Friday Jazz Band I and the Friday Jazz Band II. All meet once a week after school for an hour. The Friday II groups actually waits at school for an hour while the other Friday group rehearses, just awaiting their turn.

The LWC festival has become a staple for the Summit Hill jazz performance schedule, giving the bands a great performance opportunity mid-way between their first performance in October at the district’s music concert and their final performances at the SHJH Jazz Coffeehouse Concert, which will be on April 21. Summit hill District 161 serves the communities of Frankfort, Mokena, and Tinley Park.