During Parents Weekend, the Hill Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra performed successfully. Now they are ready to perform the winter concert on Feb. 4 at 7:15 p.m. at the CFTA theater. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the practice faced difficult factors “to rehearse without the full ensemble and plan a concert program when we don’t have a second person to cover the remote student’s part,” Margaret Neiswender, the director of instrumental music, stated. 

Neiswender added, “Concerts will offer a variety of music and hopefully something for everyone to enjoy, and we are, however, flexible, creative, and excited to bring live music to the CFTA theater.”

Even though the players are going through challenges, the practice continued: “We work as a whole orchestra so that we can get feedback from the other sections,” Callie Connelly ’22, one of the orchestra presidents, said.

Nick Li ’22, violin, and Casey Li ’23, clarinet, are the featured soloists on the piece “Ashokan Farewell.”

Maya Brigandi ’22, one of the jazz ensemble presidents, said, “We put in a lot of effort to practice and play them to the best of our ability, so come and see us try hard.” 

Brigandi, tenor saxophone, is the featured soloist on “The Impression That I Get.” Wesley Connelly ’22, alto saxophone; Marcus Smith ’24, tenor saxophone; Amanda Hudak ’24, piano; and Andrew Spatarella ’22, trumpet, are the featured soloists on “Girl from Ipanema.” Wesley Connelly, alto saxophone; Alie Mullins ’22, piano; and Brigandi, tenor saxophone, are the featured soloists on “Freddie Freeloader.” Evan Sun ’24, trumpet and Wesley Connelly, alto saxophone, are the featured soloists on “A Night in Tunisia.”