BELOIT (WKOW) — After winning one of 15 spots in a national jazz competition held at Lincoln Center in New York City, the Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Orchestra will hold a concert to raise funds.
To help foot the bill, the jazz orchestra will host a “Road to the Big Apple Concert” fundraiser on April 24 at 4 p.m. at the Eclipse Center. Tickets are available for $10 until April 23 and will be available at the door the day of the concert for $15. The concert program will feature the orchestra’s competition selection, as well as selections from jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
“The students worked extremely hard on the music – many hours of group rehearsals, sections and individual practice were recorded. It’s all part of the journey with the ultimate reward of playing jazz on the Lincoln Center stage in front of Wynton Marsalis and a few thousand people,” said Chris Behrens, groups director at Beloit Memorial.
Behrens said this is the 10th trip from Beloit Memorial to New York for Essentially Ellington, and they will leave with 20 students and 220 books of gear. Jazz band member Naoki Nikora said she was grateful for the support from the community.
“Now we are going, and my excitement is immeasurable for this incredible opportunity! This opportunity is only possible because of the truly heartwarming support of our wonderful community. I hope everyone will come out and support us as we fundraise. “, said Nikora.
