2025 ECMEA Jazz Festival
by Shumi Liu
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Stemming from a mix of blues, ragtime, African rhythms, and more, jazz originated from New Orleans and soon spread across the United States. Its swinging rhythms and sophisticated harmonies make it a more complex style than classical music. For students curious about this dynamic genre, learning jazz offers an unmatched opportunity for growth and expression.
An Opportunity for Aspiring Musicians
Beyond school jazz bands, students in grades 7-12 can audition for All-County jazz ensembles, organized by the Erie County Music Educators Association (ECMEA). These groups connect Erie County’s most talented young musicians, giving them the chance to perform at a higher level, collaborate with peers, and learn from celebrated guest conductors. This year’s ECMEA Jazz Festival, held at Cheektowaga High School during the third weekend of March, featured 78 outstanding student performers, including 12 students from Williamsville.
Audition and Rehearsals
Auditioning for an All-County jazz ensemble is a challenge that requires months of preparation. The auditions, held on January 18, 2025, at Depew High School, included performing a written solo, sight-reading, and crafting an improvised solo—a skill that combines creativity with technical precision. Many students noted that practicing for both a jazz and classical solo was challenging due to the differences between styles. Once selected, students will receive their music to practice before the rehearsals on Friday evening and Saturday morning, leading up to the concert on Saturday afternoon. These rehearsals only give performers eight hours to work together, which is why it is important to practice the music before arriving. Despite the intensity, the experience is incredibly rewarding, as they can perform with some of the best young musicians in the county.
Students from Vocal Jazz Ensembles with conductor Ms. Sara Gazarek
Vocal Jazz
Vocal Jazz has been the newest addition to this concert, starting in 2013. They are typically the first group to perform. This year, Peyton Specyal-Nelson (Soprano) and Matthew Harrington (Bass) sang in the Vocal Jazz ensemble. Their conductor was the two-time Grammy Award winning jazz vocalist Sara Gazarek, who now teaches jazz voice at the Eastman School of Music. Vocal Jazz differs from a regular chorus in that the group size is smaller, and the auditions have more difficult sight-reading, which encourages students to improve their skills. Scat solos also allow vocalists to improvise and make up their own part of the song.
Students from Junior High Jazz Band
Junior High Jazz Band
The Junior High Jazz Band follows Vocal Jazz in the first concert. Ben Boyar, a retired music teacher and now owner of Northtown Music conducted the ensemble this year. Five Williamsville students were selected for this ensemble on numerous instruments. Shumi Liu (Alto Sax), Elias Rodriguez (Bari Sax), Walter Lavin (Trombone), Calvin Schenk (Trombone) and Benny Keller (Bass) performed in this year’s group. This is the youngest group that Jazz All-County offers, with students between 7th and 9th grade. Introducing jazz to younger musicians can leave a lasting impact to our students, who may eventually play in the Senior High Jazz Bands.
Students from Senior High Jazz Band
Senior High Jazz Bands: Taking It to the Next Level
The Senior High Jazz Band (grades 10-12) is split into two groups, Jazz “A” and Jazz “B”. Each band follows the same “big band” format, which is standard in larger jazz groups. Each band is made up of a rhythm section with piano, bass, and drum set, along with an optional vibraphone, two alto, two tenor, and one baritone saxophone, four or five trumpets, and four trombones. Competition for these spots is intense, as all students are playing at a higher level. Alexander Pizarro (Alto Sax) and Zoe Seyferth (Bari Sax) participated in the “B” band, while Quentin Baker (Alto Sax), Ethan Hart (Tenor Sax) and Oliver Ferguson (Trombone) were members of the “A” band.
Dr. Russel Scarbrough, trombonist, composer, and conductor, directed the “B” band, while six-time Grammy-winning saxophonist Gary Smulyan led the “A” band. These acclaimed artists shared their expertise and knowledge, making rehearsals a rich learning experience.
Why Jazz?
What sparks a student’s love for jazz? Some students credit their parents and teachers for introducing and encouraging them to learn jazz. Having a connection to jazz at a young age allows children to more easily acquire a love for the style. Others started to play jazz because of an interest in the different styles of music, which led to them wanting to learn how to play it for themselves. Some are interested in the creative aspect of jazz, where an improvised solo allows the soloist to take over the song and express themselves with an original creation.
For students who wish to take part in future jazz festivals, the best advice that this year’s members have is this: Go for it, and try jazz, because if you never try jazz you may never find out whether you like it, and take any opportunity you can to grow your musicianship (you could play with some of the best student musicians and conductors in the area), and of course, have fun!
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