Jazzing up the school year with music department fundraiser

For students sick of and disgusted by the sweaty clusters of hormonally charged teens who usually take over the usual school dances, the annual Jazz Cabaret fundraiser, hosted by the music department, is a welcome reprieve. Senior Nancy Chen, who has gone to every Jazz Cab in her school career, says that the best part of Jazz Cab is the family-friendly environment.

Senior Nancy Chen, who has gone to every Jazz Cab in her school career, says that the best part of Jazz Cab is the family-friendly environment.

“The best part of Jazz Cabaret is that anyone can go. You can invite all of your friends and family, and people of all ages enjoy it,” Chen said. “There is no inappropriate dancing or music.”

The event, which is on March 3. at 7 p.m. in the gym, hosts performances by both Saratoga High and Redwood Middle School’s jazz ensembles and choirs. Admission is $10 for students and $25 for adults. The event ends at 10 p.m.

Students can enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well listen and swing dance to the live jazz music.

Tim Casey-Clyde, a sophomore in the Jazz 1 ensemble,is a fan of the event.

“Obviously the best part about the Jazz Cab is the swing dancing,” Casey-Clyde said. ”It’s really fun to listen to live jazz and swing dance because you don't have the opportunity to do that at many other events or dances.”

The school’s jazz ensembles, comprised of Jazz 1 and Jazz 2, each prepare five or six pieces and practice for about two and a half hours each week. Two days before the night of the event, many volunteers spend hours putting up all the decorations and lights.

The polished performances and resplendent decorations that awe students at the Jazz Cab require substantial time and hard work, but the effort ultimately yields a rewarding experience.
“Jazz Cab is a lot of work, but it really pays off in the end,” Casey-Clyde said.

This year’s Jazz Cab is expected to be even more of a success than those of previous years.
“Each year, the Jazz Cab seems to get better, with more decorations, food and people,” Casey-Clyde said. “It’s really an enjoyable night, and it supports the Saratoga Music Booster.”