BROOKINGS – The Brookings High School band, orchestra and choir will “Come Together” at 7 p.m. April 29 to present the seventh annual “A Flood of Jazz,” featuring music of The Beatles.
A Flood of Jazz is a fundraiser that benefits the entire BHS music department. Tickets are $12, $15 or $18, and are on sale at www.foj2017.ludustickets.com.
“This is an informal concert, and it’s a real collaboration featuring six jazz ensembles playing all of those familiar Beatles hits,” orchestra director Kathy Winghart said. “These high school kids have been working really hard to bring this show together.”
The ensembles include bands Jazz Ensemble One and Jazz Ensemble Two, orchestra group Strings Attached, and choral groups Smooth Spectrum, Swing Republic and Nothin’ But Treble.
Nick Castillo will be the emcee, and there will be two guest artists: William Flynn, an emerging contemporary jazz guitarist and composer, and Ryan Stahle, a well-known tenor saxophonist and state chairman of the South Dakota All-State Jazz Band.
“We are very fortunate that we have such a wealth of talent in the area,” said Ron Stary, BHS band director. “South Dakota musician and composer Jeremy Hegg arranged a closing set just for us. It features the talents of three ensembles and both guest artists. It will be a real treat.”
Even intermission is a treat, with a wide selection of desserts to choose from.
Choir director Denise Perry says it takes a group effort to make it all happen smoothly. “There are many parent volunteers who make A Flood of Jazz possible. We certainly couldn’t do it without them.”
