My son, Jesse, attends Colonial Middle School in Plymouth Meeting. The school offers a lot of different things for students to get involved in and one of them is the music program.
Jesse is a string bassist for the CMS string orchestra. He started playing the bass in 4th grade. Much to my surprise, Jess likes it and is quite good. He can sight read and understands (and likes) classical music and jazz, all at the tender age of 12.
Last night was the CMS Spring Music Festival, where all of the different configurations of student ensembles showcased their talents for a night of music.
Jesse's ensemble was good, but I was utterly blown away by the Jazz Ensemble. They are a group of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who play like seasoned veterans. One of the numbers they performed last night was "Oye Como Va" by Tito Puentes. Every student soloed. So-loed. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Soloed. For over 10 minutes! They finished with a tremendously up tempo and raucous version of Louis Prima's chart of "Sing, Sing, Sing".
Words can not describe the warm and fuzzies I experienced at the concert last night. I can, though, offer this–a video of the final number performed by the Jazz ensemble.
By the way, Jesse has shown quite an interest in participating in the Jazz Ensemble next year. I am more than excited by the prospect.
Enjoy!
B.
And here is the rest of it.
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