Dear Editor:
I wanted to share with your readers how great the New Westminster Secondary Senior Jazz Band sounds!
The band played Sunday at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Just being picked to play at this festival puts them in august company.
They were slotted between a large high school band from Vancouver who recently played the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and a similar sized band from a private school.
They did not sound out of place.
They conducted themselves well. Even without a conductor, they were able to speed up, slow down, crescendo and diminuendo. AND, as I said, all without a conductor.
The last time I heard the late Ray Charles do One Mint Julep, it didn't sound any better than it did on Sunday.
If there were to be one criticism, it would be that more time be spent introducing the soloists, and explaining the next piece of music. This gives the band members time to catch their breath, and lets the listener know what to expect
As a lifetime cynic, I must say I feel a bit better about the future, knowing the leaders of tomorrow are people like those in the NWSS Jazz Band.
Great work, people - you represented your city well!
Chris Dumfries, New Westminster
