Local High School Students Get a Once-in-a-Lifetime Jam Session with Jazz Legends
The Beavercreek "Weekend of Jazz" lived up to its name and then some, culminating in a magical moment last Saturday night that left students and the entire audience buzzing.
Local High School Students Get a Once-in-a-Lifetime Jam Session with Jazz Legends
The Beavercreek High School Weekend of Jazz (WOJ) lived up to its name and then some, culminating in a magical moment that left not only the students, but the entire audience buzzing.
The annual event, held February 23-24, featured performances by local middle and high school jazz bands, insightful masterclasses with renowned jazz artists, and a highly anticipated concert headlined by renowned jazz saxophonist Jeff Coffin, alongside guitarist Bob Lanzetti, bassist Felix Pastorius, and drummer Jordan Perlson.
Matt Frost, band director at Beavercreek High School, told us that the planning for WOJ begins as soon as the previous year ends, and he first reached out to Jeff Coffin's agent last August.
"We were thrilled to have 4 artists, any one of whom could be a headliner by themselves, play together!" said Frost.
During the free festival on Saturday, hundreds of students from more than 25 different high school and middle school jazz bands from around the area performed for the public. Attendees to the festival were also invited to watch master classes from the guest performers.
But what started as a weekend of learning and celebration of jazz music transformed into something truly special on Saturday night. After the headliners delivered a phenomenal performance, the audience was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime surprise.
Jeff Coffin, with a warm smile, invited the Beavercreek High School Jazz Band onto the stage for an impromptu jam session.
The energy in the room was electric as the seasoned professionals welcomed the young musicians with open arms. The students, visibly excited and a touch nervous, took their places alongside their jazz heroes. What followed was a truly remarkable display of musical connection.
Coffin expertly navigated the improvisation, creating space for the students to shine. Solos were traded, melodies intertwined, and the joy of music filled the auditorium. Watching these jazz legends share the stage and their knowledge with the next generation was a sight to behold.
Frost said that while the band had learned the tune in rehearsals, what we saw Saturday night at the concert was the first and only run of the tune as it was performed.
"Watching our kids smile and enjoy playing alongside the pros is where it's at", said Frost. "Everyone on stage was having fun and just enjoying the moment."
The emotional response from the audience mirrored that of the students. Parents beamed with pride, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, and the pure, unadulterated joy of music resonated throughout the venue.
"As each student stepped to the mic to play a solo I thought about that kid and their journey to get to that point," said Frost. "From the most accomplished senior who plans to make a career out of music, to some of our freshmen who are still learning what it means to be in our HS program they all have a story. For one freshmen student that night will be his last BHS band memory as his family moved out of state the next day."
The Beavercreek Weekend of Jazz solidified its reputation as more than just a music festival. It's a place where passion ignites, inspiration takes flight, and the future of jazz is nurtured by the hands of its legends.
Photo credit: @BcrkWkendofJazz. To learn more about the Weekend of Jazz, visit their website at weekendofjazz.org
