POTTSTOWN PA – After offering what Boyertown Annual Jazz Festival judges ranked as an “outstanding” performance, members of the Pottstown High School Jazz Band are taking a break to participate in the Trojans’ upcoming musical, band director Daniel Higgins reports. They’ll be back on the road in mid-March to compete in the Daniel Boone High School Jazz Fest, he added.
The Boyertown festival, held Feb. 16 (2024; Friday) from 6-10 p.m. at Boyertown Area Senior High School, involved performances by not only Pottstown but also bands from Daniel Boone, Fleetwood, Wilson, Quakertown, and Boyertown. Presented by the Boyertown Music League and Zeswitz Music, the event was described as “an electrifying evening filled with … smooth sounds.”
Pottstown’s ensemble gave “a very strong first performance for this year,” Higgins reported, which he believes bodes well for the remainder of the season.
The band performed “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Misty,” and “Theme from Sesame Street.” Its featured soloists for the night included Ethan Ung (tenor), Taylor Maguire (trumpet), Alyssa Broughton (vocal), Ethan Yost (bass), Colin Plank (drums), and Jayden Bell (bari). “Judges were all very impressed with their performance,” Higgins noted, and specifically recognized its tone, blend, balance, and use of dynamics.
Before performances began, students of all competing bands benefited from a 50-minute clinic taught by former U.S. Air Force band trombonist Bill Smith. “Students got lots of insightful feedback, and enjoyed the extra preparation,” according to Higgins.
Looking ahead, the Pottstown band’s appearance at the 51st annual Sound Spectacular Jazz Festival is scheduled for March 15 (Friday) at Daniel Boone Area High School, 501 Chestnut St., Birdsboro.
Photos provided to Travels With The Post by the Pottstown School District
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