The Jazz Ensemble performed on Tuesday, March 12 in a special “Night of Jazz” with the Central New York Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Ensemble from Phoenix High School.

The concert lasted about two hours. The concert started with the Phoenix ensemble. The group played four songs. That ensemble sounded great and they performed well as a group.

The G. Ray Bodley Jazz Ensemble was the next group to perform. They also played four songs that consisted of "Sack of Woe," "Caravan," and "Moanin’." They also had special soloist, Jeff Stockham from the CNY Jazz Orchestra, play the trumpet in the song "My Romance."

The pianist from the GRB Jazz Ensemble, senior Alex Dombroski, stated, “I really enjoyed this concert. Our group sounded very good. I loved listening to the CNY Jazz Orchestra. Listening to a group of that level really pushes me to be a better musician.”

Senior guitar player Justin Hatch noted, “The concert was a massive success. I had a lot of fun all day doing the clinics. It was amazing to see the CNY Jazz Orchestra play also.”

Senior baritone saxophone player Nick Brown added, “For my last ‘Night of Jazz’ event, it was a huge success. I believe that both Phoenix and GRB’s Jazz Ensembles played very well. I really enjoyed the ‘jam session’ after school with the CNY Jazz Orchestra. I learned a lot about how to improv better. I used what they taught me in the solo that I played during one of our songs.”

The GRB Wind Ensemble and Concert Band both have concerts on Monday, March 25. The smaller rock group will also be playing four tunes. Come on out to support the musicians in one of the “Music in Our Schools” concerts.